Havre de Grace's Anti-Tolls Resolution

The following is a resolution crafted by the City of Havre de Grace for a special session Monday night:

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF HAVRE DE GRACE, MARYLAND, A MARLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 23A OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND AND SECTION 34 OF THE CITY CHARTER AND PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 24 OF THE MARYLAND CONSTITUTION DECLARATION OF RIGHTS AND AMENDMENT V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

WHEREAS, the State of Maryland, by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), has operated the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (“Hatem Bridge”) and in lieu of regular toll rates has provided for AVI decals for local commuters; and

WHEREAS, the MDTA has proposed doing away with AVI decals for local commuters using the Hatem Bridge; and

WHEREAS, the MDTA has also proposed increasing the regular toll rate at the Hatem Bridge, causing a net increase to the toll to be over 250%; and

WHEREAS, the City of Havre de Grace has significant historic and current reciprocal connections with the communities across the Susquehanna River which will be effectively harmed and taxed by MDTA’s proposal; and

WHEREAS, the MDTA’s proposal to do away with the AVI decal system on the Hatem Bridge shall cause the citizens of Havre de Grace to disproportionately pay for the costs to do projects in other portions of the State of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Havre de Grace suffer a distinct and disproportionate harm from the MDTA proposal, as Havre de Grace citizens traveling east on Maryland Route 40 or I-95 must immediately pay a higher toll and any Havre de Grace citizens traveling south on I-95 to points south of Baltimore must also pay a higher toll;

NOW THEREFORE, the Mayor and City Council of Havre de Grace during a special meeting held on June 13, 2011 determine, declare, and resolve the following:

1. The Mayor and City Council reject the MDTA proposal to end the use of AVI decals for local commuters on the Hatem Bridge and to increase the tolls charged.

2. The Mayor and City Council urge all citizens and all County, State, and Federal elected officials to contact the MDTA and Governor Martin O’Malley and request that the MDTA retain the use of AVI decals for local commuters on the Hatem Bridge and not to increase the tolls charged.

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