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Area legislator warns about tolling still on the drawing board

With Connecticut's budget still unsettled, tolls could still make a come back.  Governor Malloy has threatened to veto the legislatively-approved Republican-backed budget plan.  The Democrat's proposal included creation of a Transportation Authority,  which has the power to establish electronic highway tolls. Wilton Senator Toni Boucher has been an outspoken opponent of tolls. She says this circumvents the legislative process, allows them to set costs and outsource it to a provider.

 

The Transportation Committee was told earlier this year that declining gas tax revenue will place the Transportation Fund in deficit by 2019-2020.  Municipal leaders testified during the regular General Assembly session on a proposed toll bill, which didn't get enough support for a vote. 

 

 

Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi says the state can't cut its way out of the deficit. He supports border tolls, but doesn't believe that should be the only place they be located. In particular, Marconi suggested north of Newtown by the Housatonic.

 

Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker says many people he's talked with distrustful that if a discount was able to be offered that it would remain in place long term. He called tolls a matter of fairness and equality.

Boucher, a committee co-chair, calls tolls "just another tax on drivers". Among her biggest concerns is that drivers trying to avoid tolls will increase congestion and wear-and-tear on local roads. Boucher is also concerned with the bills because the funds are not guaranteed to be spent on transportation. She also noted that tolls don't guarantee a reduction or elimination of the gas tax.

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