Virginians Rally Against Tolls on I-95; Anti-Tax Group Warns Against Alternatives

Last week, hundreds of Virginians rallied together to show their opposition to tolls on I-95 at a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) public presentation in Sussex County that nearly filled the 700-seat auditorium at Sussex County Central High School. Prior to the rally, VDOT announced a reduced toll plan for locals, which was rejected by the tolling opponents.
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Last week, hundreds of Virginians rallied together to show their opposition to tolls on I-95 at a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) public presentation in Sussex County that nearly filled the 700-seat auditorium at Sussex County Central High School. Prior to the rally, VDOT announced a reduced toll plan for locals, which was rejected by the tolling opponents. 

Just three days later, opponents packed a second VDOT presentation at a local community college in Chesterfield County and voiced opinions ranging from skeptical questioning to outright opposition. 

While some support a fuel tax increase as an alternative to tolls, the Americans for Tax Reform is urging lawmakers to vote against any fuel tax increase. Grover Norquist, the group's founder, sent a letter to Virginia legislators, declaring that any change in the fuel tax is a violation of the "Taxpayer Protection Pledge" some signed prior to getting elected. Norquist doesn't view tolls as taxes, though many forced to pay them would disagree.

Photo Credit: Amy Toner/NATSO

 

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