10/15/03-A bill that would outlaw tolls or fees on the Sakonnet River Bridge is dead.
H5041, sponsored by Rep. Raymond Gallison Jr., D-Bristol, called for specifically prohibiting tolls or fees whether a new bridge is constructed or major repairs to the existing bridge take place.
The legislation would have also required General Assembly approval for any transfer of the bridge to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.
It was in the Senate Finance Committee when lawmakers adjourned for the year in July.

7/7/03-The House passed legislation outlawing tolls or fees on the Sakonnet River Bridge. It now heads to the Senate for approval.
Built in the 1950s, about 40,000 vehicles cross the state Highway 24 bridge daily that connects Tiverton to Portsmouth. In need of repair, the state Transportation Department recommended paying for the work through tolls.
H5041, sponsored by Rep. Raymond Gallison Jr., D-Bristol, would specifically prohibit tolls or fees whether a new bridge is constructed or major repairs to the existing bridge take place.
The legislation would also require General Assembly approval for any transfer of the bridge to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.
Gallison said the language in the bill to prohibit the bridge from being transferred to the Turnpike and Bridge Authority “is to ensure that the DOT doesn’t try an end-around on this issue, absolving itself of responsibility for care and upkeep of the bridge. If such a transfer were to occur, there would be no way to prevent the Bridge Authority from imposing a toll.
“ Keeping the bridge under the authority of the DOT will ensure that work on the bridge will come from funds allocated to that state department and not out of the pockets of motorists using the bridge.”

4/9/03-A House committee is reviewing legislation that would outlaw tolls or fees on the Sakonnet Bridge to help pay for future repairs or replacement.
In need of repair, the state Transportation Department has recommended paying for the work on the Highway 24 bridge through tolls.
H5041, introduced by Rep. Raymond Gallison Jr., D-Bristol, would specifically prohibit tolls or fees whether a new bridge is constructed or major repairs to the existing bridge take place.
The legislation would also require General Assembly approval for any transfer of the bridge to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.
The bill is in the House Committee on Finance. For bill status, call (401) 751-8833.