OOIDA Information Update - Connecticut members
May 11, 2009

Connecticut truckers:  Your state Transportation Strategy Board is looking at options to bring back tolls to pay for road improvements. There are three remaining hearings to discuss this issue. Make plans now to have your views considered. Also, submit comments online.

The state’s Transportation Strategy Board commissioned a $1 million study to determine how electronic tolling and congestion pricing could be used throughout the state. The report left no stone unturned when it comes to tolling options. They are looking at scenarios that range from tolling single lanes to pricing all roads.

The board needs to know that the vast number of scenarios being considered amount to double taxation for highway users, especially truckers.

Advocates for bringing tolls back to Connecticut have had their sights set on truckers for quite some time. Pursuit of tolls at the state’s borders is intended to capture revenue from out-of-state traffic. However, the board report fails to recognize the fact that truckers already pay taxes for the miles they run in Connecticut through the International Fuel Tax Agreement.

It needs to be made clear to the board that truckers are already contributing to the upkeep of Connecticut highways. The point also must be hammered home that truckers pay for every mile run in Connecticut based on the state’s fuel tax and license plate fees.

Once the hearings have concluded, the board will include public input in their recommendations to Gov. M. Jodi Rell and state lawmakers. Your participation is important.

Upcoming public hearings are scheduled to take place as follows:

• 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, at Groton City Hall Auditorium, 295 Meridian St, Groton, CT 06340;
• 7 to 9:30 p.m., Thursday, May 14, at Norwalk Community Technical College (East Campus), 188 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854; and
• 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, at Northeastern CT Council of Governments, 125 Putnam Pike, Dayville, CT 06241.

If you cannot attend any of the hearings, click here to submit comment online.