Rhode Island lawmakers field public testimony on tolls

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com              

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Lawmakers have begun fielding public testimony on Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo’s plan to toll big-rig trucks to finance bridge repairs.              

The Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday held the first hearing on a revised tolling plan Raimondo and Democratic legislative leaders unveiled last week.              

Hundreds of laborers rallied in the State House during hearing. Their unions favor tolling and the 10-year construction plan it would help fund.              

Lloyd Albert of AAA Northeast says his organization supports legislation that fixes structurally deficient bridges.      

"It solves a lot of issues that we have in regards to safety of the infrastructure, it solves the rampant unemployment problem in the construction industry, which is as high as 40 percent in some trades. As well as an economic boost to the economy," added Michael Sabitoni, President of the RI Building and Construction Trades Council.     

But not everyone supports the plan.              

Middletown Town Councilman and Republican activist Antone Viveiros says lawmakers should find other ways to fix bridges.         

"It’s been my position that tolling is anti–business and its bad business. And I think many people showed that this evening," said State Senator John Pagliarini, Precinct 11.

"This gives our competitors an advantage if they’re not from this state," added Pat Hogan, a Sales Manager at SODCO.

The Senate last year voted to approve the original bill but it was blocked in the House.              

The House Finance Committee takes up the legislation Thursday.

© The Associated Press/WLNE-TV 2016