Toll Road Idea Floating in Arizona

"Lawmakers will have to weigh the benefits and disadvantages as they consider several new bills that if passed would add Arizona to a growing list of states turning to tolls roads to help pay for rising transportation costs."

"Arizona's relentless growth and rising costs of construction and maintenance is stretching the limits of traditional financing based on fuel taxes and fees, forcing officials to consider alternatives such as toll roads. The need is especially critical as the state develops a long-term plan for transportation improvements that could cost billions of dollars. The state is at a crossroads of changing its method of transportation funding, Gilroy told the board of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce in November. Foreign companies are pouring money into other states such as Texas and California, and Arizona should position itself to rake in money from public-private partnerships, he said."

"Key legislators have been reluctant to approve toll roads because they place an additional tax on residents. A new effort to create a statewide transportation plan and Gov. Janet Napolitano's push for transportation improvements could change that."