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.
Congestion Pricing: New York City’s Next Hero
Big problems need big solutions.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
New Park Opens in the Santa Clarita Valley
The City of Santa Clarita just celebrated the grand opening of its 38th park, the 10.5-acre Skyline Ranch Park.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
How Urban Form Impacts Housing Affordability
The way we design cities affects housing costs differently than you might think.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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.
