Tom Warne Report, 9 June 2013
A bill progressing in the North Carolina House would allow tolls to be added to existing interstates such as I-95, just as long as the number of free lanes does not change. The measure was prompted by a proposal to toll I-95 specifically, but this bill would apply to all existing interstates in North Carolina.
House lawmakers voted 108-7 to advance a measure to the Senate that would give the North Carolina Department of Transportation authority to charge tolls to help cover the cost of adding more lanes.
Gov. Pat McCrory has tried to stop efforts to charge fees to access the state’s roads, and instead says the focus should be put on looking at a more comprehensive transportation funding system.
House Bill 267 is awaiting further consideration in the Senate before going to the governor for final approval.