BR is possibly getting a new MS River Bridge

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Capital Region moves a step closer in quest to get a new Mississippi River bridge

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The House and Senate overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 496—creating a five-parish regional authority that, among other things, will be tasked with finding a way to finance a new bridge—and sent it to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ desk for final approval. The governor is expected to make a decision next week, and the prospects look favorable.

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The regional authority, dubbed the Capital Area Road and Bridge District, would have the power to implement tolls, impose parcel fees or levy taxes—subject to voter approval in the five parishes: East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Iberville and Livingston.

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I would support a toll bridge.

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Language in the bill allows the district a variety of funding options, from tolls to four taxing options: levying ad valorem, or property, taxes; imposing an annual parcel fee not to exceed $500; levying a sales tax not to exceed 1%; or issuing bonds secured by ad valorem and sales taxes. Voters in each parish must approve any new taxes or fees.

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I'll vote against a new property tax.

My guess is that it will never pass the voters of the 5 parish region unless it's funded exclusively by tolls. No word on where they want to build it but it would have to be south of BR to have any impact on traffic. I'll probably be retired by the time it's finished (if it ever passes).

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