The Mississippi House killed a bill May 4 that would have allowed referendums on toll road projects in the state.

House lawmakers voted 60-60 to reject the toll bill after opponents said it would hurt poor residents along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where officials want to build a toll road linking Interstate 10 to the Port of Gulfport, The Clarion-Ledger reported. The revenue measure needed 72 votes to pass.

SB2063, sponsored by Sen. Charlie Ross, R-Brandon, earlier passed the Senate. Representatives, however, voted to reject a compromise version worked out by House and Senate negotiators.

It authorized the Mississippi Transportation Commission, county boards of supervisors and governing boards of municipalities to contract with private industry in the state to construct toll roads and bridges and collect the toll to pay off the investment.

Supporters of the bill want to charge tolls to pay for the proposed $300 million, seven-mile road connecting I-10 and the port.

The bill required 20 percent of a county’s electorate or 1,500 voters, whichever is less, to call for a referendum on any project. It also required that alternate, nonpaying routes be in place before toll roads are established.