A.  An authority created and established pursuant to this Chapter may only construct new additional highway toll and/or transitway toll facilities under the terms and conditions set forth in this Chapter, with the prior express written consent of the affected governing bodies within the geographic boundaries of the authority after public hearing.  Said facilities must be part of the approved transportation plan and program of the department and the local metropolitan planning organization, where applicable.

B.  Prior to the creation of the authority and the initiation of environmental impact statements, feasibility studies must first be conducted under sponsorship or approval of the department or the metropolitan planning organization, if applicable, to substantiate project need and justification.

Acts 1997, No. 1017, §1, eff. July 11, 1997.