Free Interstate Lanes Must Remain Free, States John Mica

House Transportation And Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica, R-Fl, in this opinion in the Orlando Sentinel, states his position on tolling the nation's interstate highways. He supports tolling only if applied to newly constructed lanes.

1 minute read

August 15, 2011, 11:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


Some might say that Mica's position conflicts with his $230 billion, six-year transportation reauthorization bill that cuts all transportation expenditures by one-third.

In his op-ed, Mica writes, "My position has been and will continue to be that interstate lanes currently free of tolls will remain toll-free, now and under any future legislation.

However, to expand and build more capacity on our interstate system, I support providing states the flexibility to finance the construction of any new interstate-lane capacity using the surrounding land and right-of-way."

"Attracting private capital for adding lanes can allow us to maximize our highway capacity without increasing taxes."

Note: The Orlando Sentinel has many articles on tolling and John Mica - see related links.

Thanks to Association of American RRs: SmartBrief

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 in Orlando Sentinel - Opinion

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