Rhode Island lawmakers put truck toll plan on the fast lane

February 4, 2016 12:05 pm

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

The Associated Press

A plan to charge big-rig trucks using Rhode Island highways is barreling through the state’s General Assembly as top lawmakers push to fast-track the bill that failed last year.

State senators fielded a wide range of opinions in a nearly seven-hour committee hearing Wednesday and could vote on the bill as early as next week.

The House Finance Committee will hear more public comments beginning Thursday afternoon.

Local and out-of-state truckers oppose the truck-only tolls that Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo plans to use for her 10-year plan to repair deteriorating bridges.

Shipping giant UPS and Massachusetts-based convenience store chain Cumberland Farms are also weighing in against the plan.

Unions and construction trade organizations that will benefit from the surge of public works contracts support the plan.