In my previous journal I mentioned I I would review and give my thoughts on the idea of tolling in Wisconsin. There is only a handful of states that are not funded by the use of tolling. Out of the 4 proposals that I listed out from the Wisconsin DOT. I think tolling would be the most feasible through the state legislature.
The method by which both initial toll rates and subsequent toll rate increases are set varies from agency to agency. Generally, where tolling is administered by a DOT, toll rates are set by the department’s executive. Where tolling is administered by a commission or some other type of board, toll rates are set by the commission or board. Even with increases that are based on an established value or index and that are structured to occur automatically, executive review and approval at the time of the increase is still commonly required. Many agencies are also required to have public hearings to provide an opportunity for public input in the setting of toll rates and subsequent (1)
Where the tolls proposed location is going to be provided in the link at the bottom. It is about 875 Miles of Interstate Highway system. Which would be less than 1% of the total system? (2) There are pros and cons for the use of tolling.
Pros
* Fits the user fee concept better than the use of gas tax or vehicle registration fees
* Ensures revenue from out of state motorists
* Not impacted by fuel efficiency
* The fact that almost a million Wisconsinites are registered to use the Illinois toll lanes
Cons
* Complicated business structure that is new to Wisconsin
* could divert traffic that doesn't want to use tolling.
* Would require some upfront investment.
* Federal laws prohibit tolling in some states. So you would need permission from the federal government.
At the lowest level of tolling, a 50-mile trip would cost you .04 per mile. The annual revenue would 519 Million. 372 Million after operating costs. The study does show a diversion rate of 17%. The Wisconsin DOT has brought this full report to the Legislature.
I am open to the idea of tolling as a funding mechanism. I welcome any discussion that anyone wants to comment on. Like the rest of Wisconsin, I wouldn't like the idea of paying to use our highway system. However, it beats the idea of a gas tax increase or an increase in vehicle registration fees.
1 wisconsindot.gov/...
2. wisconsindot.gov/...