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Lawmakers continue efforts on a number of topics including doubling tolls

Lawmakers continue efforts on a number of topics including doubling tolls

Signs on the entrance ramp in Gibsonia, Pa., indicate to motorists the methods being used to collect tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. More than $104 million in Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls went uncollected last year as the agency fully converted to all-electronic tolling. Turnpike records show the millions of motorists who don’t use E-ZPass have a nearly 1 in 2 chance of riding without paying under the “toll-by-plate” license plate reader system. Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/Keith Srakocic


CONCORD, N.H.- Lawmakers are back to work in Concord this week and among the topics before them is the additional push to increase tolls for those without an E-ZPass.

As it stands Gov. Kelly Ayotte has remained in opposition to Senate Bill 627, which would double tolls in an effort to target out of state commuters entering the Granite State.

The continued attention over the bills progress comes after the House Public Works and Highways Committee recently backed the legislation, which it’s sponsors claim will generate more than $50 million a year in support for turnpike construction.

DOT Commissioner David Rodrigue has gone on the record and said without an increase to tolls the state’s 10-year Highway program would fall around $400 million dollars short of the revenue needed to continue priority projects including the reconstruction of Exits 6 & 7 on I-293 and the effort to widen I-93 between Bow and Concord.

State lawmakers this week will also address legislation to raise fees to repair dams, and clean up lakes dealing with Cyanobacteria, along with open enrollment reform that will allow parents to send their kids to any public school in the state.

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