Forming an expressway authority and acquiring state funds for improvements to Hoagland Boulevard are at the top of Osceola County’s agenda for the upcoming legislative session that begins next year.

County Commissioners on Monday discussed their legislative priorities, and approved a final list to present to their lobbyists and the Osceola Legislative Effort.

The agenda outlines five items the county would like to have the state green light for them, as well as lobbying on two items that could affect county jail stays and the local newspaper industry.

County lobbyists in Tallahassee will push for the creation of an expressway authority that county officials said would make the county responsible for construction, maintenance and operation of toll roads in the county. At an October meeting, County Auditor Kathy Wall said that federal government funding is usually given to the state to help fund toll roads.

The county also will seek state funds for improvements and expansions to Hoagland Boulevard. County officials said the project is “shovel ready,” to increase its chances of receiving funds, which could come from federal stimulus funds as well, officials said.

The county said it would partner its Hoagland Boulevard lobbying efforts with the city of Kissimmee, which is seeking state funds for the Kissimmee Gateway Airport, near Hoagland Boulevard.

“There are opportunities to get funding from the state and federal government specially designed for airports,” County Manager Michael Freilinger said.

Money also is being requested for the control of hydrilla, an invasive water plant.

In addition, the county is adding its name to lobbying efforts being taken on by the Florida Association of Counties.

Among the county’s statewide legislative efforts is one to lobby against a proposed state law that would extend the amount of time state criminals can be detained in county jails. The legislation is proposing to increase the amount of time individuals are detained in county jails from one year to 18 months. Local officials said the change would be costly for the county, and further clog the Osceola County Jail, which is currently overcrowded.

Counties are required to hold only those defendants sentenced to a maximum of one year. Defendants sentenced more than one year are transferred to the state’s prison system.

If approved by the Legislature, the change would hurt the county, Commissioner Ken Smith said.

“It’s going to have a devastating effect on us,” Smith said. “I think it will require us to immediately begin the process of building a new jail, which I personally don’t want to do.”

Moreover, the county will lobby on behalf of legislation that would no longer require counties to post public government notices in print media such as newspapers, and allow them to post public notices directly to their own Web sites.

The commission’s approval of the agenda comes almost a month before Osceola County’s legislative delegation is scheduled to meet in Kissimmee for their annual meeting with the public. The meeting is scheduled for Dec. 18 at the county’s commission chambers at 1 Courthouse Square, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.