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PHOENIX — State senators gave their blessing Tuesday to two measures that eventually could lead to toll roads.

On a voice vote, lawmakers approved one measure to give the state Transportation Department authority and guidelines to enter into contracts with private firms to build and operate toll roads.

Technically, the ADOT has that authority now. But Sen. Ron Gould, R-Lake Havasu City, said the laws are so convoluted that no private firm has been willing to try to build a toll road here.

What makes SB 1465 different, he said, is it allows companies to approach the ADOT with unsolicited plans and requires the state agency to review and evaluate those plans.

The ADOT could charge a fee for the review. Nothing in the proposal requires the agency to accept a proposal.

Senators also gave preliminary approval to a related measure to allow city and county officials in Pima, Maricopa and Pinal counties to set up their own toll-road authorities. Sen. Jay Tibshraeny, R-Chandler, said SB 1420 would let these new authorities seek out private companies willing to build roads at their own expense in exchange for the ability to recoup their costs through tolls.

The action comes as Gov. Janet Napolitano is awaiting a report from Victor Mendez, director of the state Department of Transportation, on a comprehensive plan for dealing with traffic problems and how to pay to fix them.

Napolitano has said she recognizes there is not enough money coming in from gasoline taxes and vehicle-registration fees to meet the state's future transit needs, including her pet project of intercity rail.

Both measures need a final Senate vote before going to the House.