Connecticut political leaders are heading toward a vote that would implement tolling on several of the state's highways to help fund transportation infrastructure projects around the state.
A proposal by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont (D) would fund transportation infrastructure improvements with new electronic tolls on several of the state's busiest highways.
Keith Phaneuf reports:
With less than four weeks left in the legislative session, Gov. Ned Lamont made a bipartisan appeal for compromise on tolls. The Democratic governor pledged to dedicate more resources to transportation construction between now and 2024 — the first year toll receipts might be available.
More specifically:
The governor wants to put electronic tolls on interstates 84, 91 and 95 and on the Merritt Parkway with a base charge of 4.4 cents per mile — before discounts are offered to Connecticut motorists. This would raise $800 million per year for the budget by 2024, the administration says, with 30 to 40 percent coming from out-of-state motorists. Discounts would be provided to Connecticut residents and to frequent travelers.
Phaneuf provides more details of the political process that yielded the most recent deal, as does a separate article by Phaneuf published last week for a different publication. A previous article by Rachel Yonkunas and Kaitlyn Naples focuses on the governor's plan to improve the state's transportation infrastructure.
A hat tip to Angie Schmitt for sharing the Phaneuf article and providing perspective on the national significance of the proposal. Planetizen correspondent Irvin Dawid shared news of the Connecticut tolling debate back in February 2019.
FULL STORY: Lamont Willing To Compromise On Transportation — If Tolls Are Involved
Connecticut Transportation Funding Debate: Toll Trucks or Toll All Vehicles?
New Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has reversed the position of his campaign, when he pledged to toll only heavy trucks to tackle traffic congestion. In an op-ed, Lamont explains why all vehicles must be tolled. He also rules out a gas tax hike.
Bill to Toll Connecticut Interstates and Parkways Advances
A bill backed by Gov. Malloy that directs the Department of Transporation to prepare a plan to toll three interstates and two state parkways narrowly passed two legislative committees largely along party lines. It now advances to the full House.
USDOT Targets Transit, High-Speed Rail, Sustainable Transportation for Cuts
High-profile projects like New York City congestion pricing, California high-speed rail, and major transit agencies face drastic federal funding cuts.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Grand Rapids Mayor Proposes Garage Conversion Plan
The mayor says allowing homeowners to convert garages to dwelling units could alleviate the city’s housing shortage.
Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio
Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service