OOIDA Call to Action - Washington Members
June 26, 2006

Attention: Washington truckers! The Washington State Transportation Commission is holding two public open houses this week to discuss plans to pursue tolling roadways throughout the state. We encourage you to share your thoughts on tolling with the commission by attending the meetings or simply submit comments online.

To help reduce the state's $38 billion transportation funding gap, the commission members say they will ask lawmakers in the state to look at the possibility of installing tolls on some roads.

The meetings to discuss proposals on tolls with the public are scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, in Yakima and Wednesday, June 28, in Spokane Valley.

Input received from the public will be included in the commission's recommendations that will be forwarded to the Legislature, which ordered the study in 2005.

A study by the commission estimates a $4 toll at the Snoqualmie Pass would raise more than $500 million for construction, plus $3.1 million for annual upkeep. No specific toll rate for large trucks was provided.

If legislators agree to tolling roadways in the state, the federal government would still need to give the state authorization to turn any existing interstate into a pay-to-play route.

Other projects that could be eyed for tolls include the state Highway 520 floating bridge and bridges on the Columbia River.

Tolls also are planned for the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge and state Highway 167 car-pool lanes between Auburn and Renton.

For more information about the Washington State Transportation Commission's tolling study, visit watollingstudy.com. Among the resources available at the site are study results and a survey you can fill out so planners know what you think.

Meeting times and sites:

Tuesday, June 27, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Clarion Hotel
1507 N First Street
Yakima, WA 98901

Wednesday, June 28, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Center Place
2426 N Discovery Place
Spokane Valley, WA 99216