Senator Opposes Plan To Convert Interstates To Toll Roads

"U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, considered a possible future contender for Texas governor, said Friday she's filing a bill to ban states from converting existing interstate highways into toll roads."

"Hutchison, joining objections of bipartisan lawmakers in Austin and Washington, said she will 'vigorously' block the Texas Department of Transportation from ever levying tolls on federal highways."

"Earlier this year, Texas transportation officials sent a letter to Congress seeking a change in federal law to let states "buy back" interstate highways and levy tolls on them."

"Such a tolling plan, under a state law passed in 2005, would require a vote of county commissioners and local voters."

"Gov. Rick Perry, a big proponent of toll roads, has said he opposes tolling existing roadways unless local voters want them."

"Hutchison and U.S. Rep. Charles Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, said Friday they'll oppose the state's effort to change federal law."