Lawmaker questions state officials' support of tolling interstates

The Department of Transportation is lobbying to "buyback" some of the major roadways in Texas to eventually make them toll roads that were once interstate highways. The plan enclosed in a report called Forward Momentum, also eludes to the fact that private companies will be asked to complete these jobs and should receive tax breaks while doing so. Chris Lippincott, a spokesman for the department stated that all plans will go through local government such as county-commissioners to approve in order for them to move forward. Approvals must also be received from the taxpayers. Senator Jon Corona-D from Dallas stated "I think it's a dreadful recommendation on the part of the transportation commissioners here in Texas," then going on to say, "I feel confident that legislators in Austin would overwhelmingly be opposed to such an idea," and "The simple fact is that taxpayers have already paid for those roadways. To ask taxpayers to pay for them twice is untenable." We must continue to watch this issue not only because the taxpayers of Texas have already payed their dues "twice" on this matter but also if the components of the plan changes will the minds change of our lawmakers?

Austin American Statesman