Senate approves road aid to cities, counties

Mississippi senators passed their own version of a bill to send a share of the tax on internet sales to cities and counties.

The state Senate voted 48-3 Friday to pass House Bill 1 after making some minor changes. The bill, which returns to the House, is meant to help improve road and bridge conditions.

Legislative leaders say the plan would provide $110 million annually to cities and counties in 2022 when fully phased in.

Counties could spend the money only on roads and bridges, while cities could also spend money on water and sewer work.

The bill also would authorize the state to borrow up to $300 million mostly to be spent through an emergency bridge repair fund. It would earmark proceeds from sports betting to state highways for 10 years, and would impose additional yearly taxes of $75 on hybrid vehicles and $150 on electric vehicles.