Grow America Transportation Bill Would Open the Door to Tolling on Interstates

Although its unclear just how much influence the Department of Transportation's surface transportation authorization bill, called GROW AMERICA, will have (if any at all), the bill makes apparent a sea change with regard to tolling of the interstates.

1 minute read

May 1, 2014, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"With pressure mounting to avert a transportation funding crisis this summer, the Obama administration Tuesday opened the door for states to collect tolls on interstate highways to raise revenue for roadway repairs," report Ashley Halsey III. "The proposal, contained in a four-year, $302 billion White House transportation bill, would reverse a long-standing federal prohibition on most interstate tolling."

The detail of the GROW AMERICA transportation reauthorization bill proposed by the Department of Transportation follows up on earlier hints by Transportation Secretary Foxx that the Obama Administration would be amenable to such changes.

Curtis Tate provides more coverage of the possibility that the federal government could end the longstanding prohibition of tolling on interstate highways, including opposition to the idea from "trucking industry and motorist groups."

Tanya Snyder also followed up on Streetsblog's initial coverage of the GROW AMERICA proposal with more details of what the proposal would or would not do. The latter is much more likely, however, according to Snyder: "President Obama’s funding plan — although it may align with that of the head tax man in the Republican House — has already been dismissed as a political non-starter."

Wednesday, April 30, 2014 in Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

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.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Canada geese sitting on shore of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California.

How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity

Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.

April 13 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13 - Inside Climate News

Close-up on cardboard sign reading 'No Kings' being held up at protest at Tesla offices in Brooklyn, New York.

Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”

Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”

April 13 - The Globe and Mail