LANSING (WWJ) - The Michigan Senate has voted to give the idea of toll roads another look.
Senate lawmakers on Tuesday approved legislation that would require the Michigan Department of Transportation to find a firm to put together a tolling feasibility study and implementation plan.
The study would explore revenue projections based on an analysis of optimal tolling rates, vehicle counts and types by state of registration, and traffic diversion. Lawmakers wouldn't be obligated to act on any of the study's findings.
The proposal is one of several road funding-related measures that have cleared the Senate. The measures have been sent to the House for consideration and debate.
If passed by the House and signed into law by the governor, the study would have to be done 18 months and it must consider all of the following:
- The economic impact and feasibility of tolling particular highways of this state.
- The ability to provide discounts or credits or otherwise lessen the impact of tolling on local, commuter, and in-state operators.
- Information related to the number and impact of out-of-state operators expected to use highways of this state.
- The rationale for the federal authorization of any tolling plan that may be submitted by this state to the United States Department of Transportation.
- The optimal levels at which tolls may reasonably be expected to be set for passenger vehicles and other vehicles.
- Appropriate tolling rules regarding population center local traffic.
- This state's ability to enter into monetization agreements or long-term contracts for initial construction, long-term maintenance, installation, and operation of tolling facilities.
- Any estimates of which highway facilities would be conducive to tolling operations.
- Ways to maximize the use of Michigan workers and products made in this state.
Although Michigan has tolls for border crossings and some bridges, the state doesn't currently have any toll roads. Lawmakers are considering toll roads among numerous options to solve the state's long-running problem of funding road repairs.
Thirty-five states currently have toll roads. Federal law doesn't allow toll roads on interstate freeways like I-75 and I-94.
