2/5/04-Delegate Chris Saxman has introduced legislation in the House that would prohibit transportation facility operators from imposing tolls or user fees on existing interstates.
HB1348 doesn’t prohibit the use of tolls to fund and build new transportation facilities.
A Virginia Transportation Department advisory panel is evaluating proposals from two road-building consortiums to widen the 325-mile stretch of I-81 in Virginia. Both plans call for tolls under the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 to finance at least part of the construction.
Saxman, R-Staunton, said in a statement the state could address the highway’s safety problems without widening the entire corridor and without charging tolls.
The bill is part of a five-bill package introduced by Saxman. The package’s other bills are HB1344-HB1347.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1500. In Virginia, call 1-800-892-6948.