Kansas Turnpike Bill Weakened

Supporters say a bill facing a final vote in the Kansas House encourages cooperation between the agency operating the state’s only toll road and the Department of Transportation.

But they haven’t dispelled some members’ fears that the measure is a step toward merging the department and the Kansas Turnpike Authority and diverting turnpike revenues to other purposes.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the House gave first-round approval last week to the bill on a 78-40 vote after a vigorous debate. House members are scheduled to take final action Monday to determine whether the measure passes and goes to the Senate.

The bill expands the agencies’ authority to contract with each other. It’s a watered-down version of a plan from Gov. Sam Brownback to merge the two agencies.