CT lawmakers discuss possibility of bringing back tolls [WFSB.com]

WFSB 3 Connecticut
Article as it appeared on WFSB.com

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Some Connecticut lawmakers believe that 2015 could be the year that the state brings back tolls on highways.

State lawmakers said they are once again pushing for tolls to help fix the state’s aging roads and bridges. Connecticut once had tolls, but got rid of them after seven people died in crash at a toll plaza in Stratford in 1985.

“Our gas tax isn’t going to cut it anymore,” State Rep. Tony Guerrera, who co-chairs the transportation committee, said. “With the cars getting better gas mileage, and electric cars, hybrids with all those it’s just impossible to fund our infrastructure.”

Guerrera said the state could build an electronic toll within a year and the cost would be minimal. To push tolls, Guerrera said he supports giving a tax break to those who commute in-and out-of-state.

“This is highway robbery for Connecticut, to put in another tax. They see it was a tax, not a fee on top of highest gas taxes in the country,” State Sen. Toni Boucher, who is the ranking member of the transportation committee, said.

Republicans on the committee, including Boucher, said they feel the state should bond the money.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy hasn’t said whether he supports tolls, but feels that whatever revenue the state gets for transportation should only be used for transportation.