Section 23-2-142

Definitions.

As used in this article, the following words and terms shall have the meanings, respectively, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) AUTHORITY. The Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority created by this article, or any board, body or commission succeeding to the principal functions thereof or to which the powers given by this article to the authority shall be given by law.

(2) BONDS or TOLL ROAD, BRIDGE OR TUNNEL REVENUE BONDS. Bonds of the authority authorized under the provisions of this article.

(3) COST. As applied to a toll road, bridge or tunnel project, the cost shall embrace:

a. The cost of construction, including bridges over or under existing highways and railroads;

b. The cost of the acquisition of all land, rights-of-way, property, rights, easements and interests acquired by the authority for such construction;

c. The cost of demolishing or removing any buildings or structures on land so acquired, including the cost of acquiring any lands to which such buildings or structures may be moved;

d. The cost of diverting highways, interchange of highways and access roads to private property, including the cost of land for easements therefor;

e. The cost of all machinery and equipment;

f. The cost of financing charges, including interest prior to and during construction and for one year after completion of construction;

g. The cost of traffic estimates and of engineering and legal expenses;

h. Plans, specifications, surveys, estimates of cost and of revenues;

i. The cost of other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of constructing any such project;

j. The cost of administrative expense and such other expense as may be necessary or incident to the construction of the project;

k. The cost of the financing of such construction; and

l. The cost of placing of the project in operation.

Any obligation or expense which may be incurred by the State Department of Transportation for traffic surveys, borings, preparation of plans and specifications and other engineering services in connection with the planning or construction of a project shall be regarded as a part of the cost of such project and shall be reimbursed to the State Department of Transportation by the authority.

(4) OWNER. All individuals, copartnerships, associations, private or municipal corporations and all political subdivisions of the state having any title or interest in any property, rights, easements and interests authorized to be acquired by this article.

(5) PROJECT, TOLL ROAD, BRIDGE AND TUNNEL PROJECT or TOLL ROAD, BRIDGE OR TUNNEL PROJECT. Any type of toll road, bridge, causeway or tunnel established and constructed or to be constructed by the authority under the provisions of this article, and shall include, but shall not be limited to, all toll roads, bridges, causeways, tunnels, overpasses, underpasses, interchanges, entrance plazas, approaches, access roads, toll houses, service areas, service stations, service facilities, communication facilities and administration, storage and other buildings which the authority may deem necessary for the operation of such project, together with all property, rights, easements and interests which may be acquired by the authority for the construction, operation and maintenance of such project.

(6) PUBLIC HIGHWAYS. All public highways, roads and streets in the state, whether maintained by the state or by any county or municipality or other political subdivision.

(Acts 1980, No. 80-691, p. 1377, §2.)