Governor back toll hikes plan
Salem ? Toll hikes would fund nearly $280 million in construction work on state turnpikes under a plan acting Transportation Commissioner Charles O?Leary proposed today.
O?Leary want to raise tolls from 75 cents to $1 at toll booths on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Hooksett and Bedford; from 50 cents to 75 cents on the Spaulding Turnpike in Dover and Rochester; and from 50 cents to $1 at ramps on Interstate 95 in Hampton. The plan would spare drivers who use Interstate 95 to drive through New Hampshire of any increase. O'Leary said the current $1 toll is sufficient since the road is only 15 miles long.
O?Leary, who unveiled the plan at the Governor and Executive Council meeting today, said the toll hikes would raise $16 million annually. He said the new revenue would support bonds to repair or replace ?red listed? bridge along 93 miles of the state?s turnpike system.
Gov. John Lynch backs the planned increases.
?I think this is an urgent need here in New Hampshire,? Lynch said.
The governor said he will ask the Executive Council to vote on the proposed hikes at its next regular meeting Oct. 3.
