Mo. Senator wants I-70 toll road debate

A Missouri senator says he wants the full chamber to debate a measure allowing tolls on Interstate 70.

The Senate Transportation Committee heard about two hours of public testimony Wednesday on legislation that would allow the state to contract with a private company to fix I-70 in exchange for being allowed to charge tolls. State transportation officials say the foundation of I-70 is crumbling and it needs to be widened to handle increased traffic.

Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Stouffer, a Republican from Napton, said more public hearings will be held in coming weeks. Stouffer says he hopes to eventually vote the legislation out of his committee so it can come before the full Senate.