Please take time now to contact your state senator about the bill – SB213 – that would allow toll lanes to be added to I-70 between Floyd Hill and the Eisenhower Tunnel.

The bill would authorize vehicles to be charged up to $5 to use the stretch of roadway. Exceptions would be made for vehicles registered in Summit, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties.

SB213 also would allow tolls to be adjusted for inflation. Funds from the tolls would mostly be used for improvements in the corridor.

It is important to point out to your senator that taxpayers have already paid for the existing highway system and facilities with state and federal highway user fees. Adding tolls on such roads would represent double taxation and be unfair to constituents.

Truck-dependent businesses along toll roads also would be put at a significant economic disadvantage. In addition, adding tolls would increase costs for consumers and businesses. As a result, Colorado would be a less-attractive option for companies.

Mandatory tolls have other detrimental effects. They create two classes of drivers: those who can afford to pay tolls and those who cannot. They also cause diversion of traffic to other, often less safe, roads.

You are encouraged to immediately share these concerns with your state senator. For contact information, visit http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2008A/csl.nsf/directory?openframeset. Simply click on a lawmakers name for their phone number and e-mail.

You can also call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791 and they will look up the contact information for you.