For Whom Interstate Roadways Would Toll (Hill considers highway tolls) [View All]

[Khephra]

For Whom Interstate Roadways Would Toll
Hill Reconsiders Free or Fee Policy
By Dan Morgan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 7, 2004; Page A17


After decades of rejecting tolls on highways built with federal money, Congress is edging toward a decision to give states broad authority to levy tolls as a way to relieve traffic congestion and raise funds for road building and transportation.

The proposal, contained in the Senate version of a six-year transportation bill being negotiated with the House, has set off a fierce behind-the-scenes lobbying battle involving a host of powerful groups.

Opposing the Senate language are the AAA, the American Trucking Associations, the American Farm Bureau and the American Highway Users Alliance. Supporting the changes are coalitions representing state highway departments, road building groups, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, leading environmental organizations such as Environmental Defense and the Reason Foundation, which advocates free-market solutions to economic and social problems.

"This would basically remove the limits that have been in place for many years and could represent a sea change in how we go about financing improved transportation in states across America," said Michael Replogle, transportation director for Environmental Defense.

more.............

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32197-2004Jul6.html