New Details On Latest Tolls Proposals That Keeps Changing For CT

HARTFORD, CT — It appears that truck-only tolls and limited tolls near bridges are back on the table as potential options for Connecticut, at least at this informal negotiating stage among Connecticut politicians.

Gov. Ned Lamont campaigned on truck-only tolling, but changed his stance in February to widespread tolling of all vehicles on the state’s major highways. He said that truck-only tolling wouldn’t produce nearly enough revenue and could run into some legal challenges. Lamont wanted to get a toll bill passed during the regular legislative session, but that didn’t happen. Several lawmakers said a summer special session is a long shot.

House Majority Leader Matt Ritter (D-Hartford) told Hearst Media that truck-only tolling would have to be done in a way that would avoid a legal challenge, which Rhode Island is facing. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Rhode Island filed by representatives of the trucking industry, but the decision is being appealed.

Lamont senior advisor Colleen Flanagan Johnson said that truck-only tolling may not win required federal approval, but Lamont remains open to a number of tolling options. Tolls near bridges and other major infrastructure projects is also back on the table as a potential option, according to Hearst Media.

Lamont is also considering loosening the belt on his “debt diet” plan by allowing $300 million more in state bonding over the next two fiscal years with $100 million of that going to transportation projects, according to the CT Mirror. That deal would include a scaled-back toll plan.

Republicans were quick to criticize the potential change of plans.

“With the inconsistency, number of changes and modifications to ‘plans’ does anyone trust this Governor’s word,” tweeted Republican House leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby). “When I give the people of Connecticut my word, it means something. I’m a no on tolls!”

Republican State Senate leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) wrote a letter to Lamont asking for more details on the state bonding package.

“The governor’s letter is offering Democrats more play money at the same time he is creating an illusion that he will be prioritizing transportation,” Fasano said. “If the governor does not plan to push for a bonding plan that truly prioritizes transportation by scaling back on bonding for wants with full transparency, then he needs to stand strong on his debt diet.”

At various points there have been a dizzying array of toll proposals.

• Lamont campaigned on truck-only tolls.
• Shortly after taking office he changed his mind to tolls for all vehicles on I-95, I-91, I-84 and Rt. 15.
• Lamont wanted a regular session vote on tolls then acquiesced to a special session vote, but then went back and said he wanted a regular session vote. In the end he urged lawmakers to pass a budget on time (which they did with time to spare) and to take up tolls at a later date.
• In June he offered a state income tax reduction along with toll credits for low-income residents.
• Lamont is now open to a number of tolling options including truck-only and bridge-specific tolls.