Conn. senator cheers RI for tabling I-95 toll plan [Boston.com]

Article as it appeared on Boston.com


PROVIDENCE, R.I.—A Connecticut lawmaker is applauding Rhode Island’s decision to shelve a proposal to place tolls on Interstate 95.

Connecticut Sen. John Kissel said Tuesday the idea was “ill advised.”

The Republican lawmaker says tolls near the state line would hurt interstate commerce and tourism and potentially ignite a “toll war” between New England states. Kissel has written to Congress to oppose the idea.

Rhode Island transportation director Michael Lewis tells the Providence Journal ( http://bit.ly/MaXNyl) the federal government won’t support the state’s toll proposal.

The state has been looking at tolls as a potential funding source for highway projects.

A state panel had estimated that tolls of $3 for passenger cars and $6 for trucks collected near the Connecticut state line could raise $39 million per year starting in 2014.