States Pursue Rest Area Commercialization

January 16, 2012

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Three states, including New Hampshire, Washington and New York, could consider legislation this year regarding rest area commercialization. New Hampshire and Washington are interested in authorizing the sale of commercial services in rest areas pursuant to a change in federal law. Legislation in New York, meanwhile, has been introduced to authorize the use of public-private partnerships in transportation including rest areas and a number of other facilities. Passage of these bills would increase pressure on Congress to act on the issue.

Measures under consideration, all of which would require a change in the federal law prohibiting rest area commercialization, include:

  • Legislation in New York would authorize the use of public-private partnerships in transportation, including rest areas and other transportation facilities. NATSO members should contact their assemblymen to ask them to oppose A 8487, which is sponsored by Democratic Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle. 
  • Legislation in New Hampshire, HB 1293 sponsored by state Rep. Ken Sheffert (R), would establish a commission to study retail opportunities and the sale of gasoline at rest areas on interstate highways. The House Public Works and Highways Committee will hold a hearing on the bill at 11:15 a.m. on Feb. 7 in the Legislative Office Building, Room 201 in Concord. Members are encouraged to contact their state representatives and members of the committee in opposition to this legislation.
  • Legislation in Washington state to allow for commercial rest areas was up for consideration last year and has been reintroduced. SB 5218 sponsored by state Sen. Paul Shin (D), would authorize commercial activities at rest areas pursuant to federal law. To contact your legislator to oppose this legislation, go to http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx.

If you have questions, please contact Brad Stotler or Holly Alfano.

NATSO and the NATSO Foundation provide the most relevant, trusted and up-to-date news and trends affecting the truckstop and travel plaza industry.More
Source:
NATSO News Weekly (NNW)

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