Making a federal case against tolls

by Heather Hayes
For Virginia Business
August 2005

Virginia businesses aren’t waiting around to see if a proposed toll on trucks using Interstate 81 makes its way through Congress.

In a recent letter sent to members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, more than 150 Virginia companies and organizations noted their strong opposition to any type of tolls for tractor trailers and other transport trucks. The letter characterizes any toll proposal as an oppressive tax and a threat to the national and international competitiveness of companies dependent upon the I-81 corridor. “It’s bad for business, tourism, the environment and the ability to keep the corridor aesthetically pleasing,” the letter states.

Business officials are especially concerned that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) appears to be paying particular attention to a proposal to collect tolls along the entire 325-mile length of I-81 in Virginia.

“The increased costs of tolls simply cannot be passed along to our end users and consumers,” the letter states.