The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed a controversial plan that to fix the state’s deteriorating highway and bridges by tolling truck drivers.
Under the proposed plan, it would cost a truck driver $20 to cross Rhode Island using I-95. The bill caps the maximum daily toll for a single trucker at $40.
The bill, sponsored by Governor Gina Raimondo, has been hotly debated for the past 8 months. Truckers say that it is unfair to ask them to shoulder the entire burden of highway maintenance when passenger vehicles also contribute to wear and tear on the state’s infrastructure.
The bill passed 52-21 last night after 7 hours of debate. The Senate is expected to give final approval for the bill later this afternoon.
Sources:
Turn To 10
Rhode Island Public Radio
News & Observer