Community Corner
Rep. Reichert Questions I-90 Toll Proposal
US Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Auburn) warned the US Department of Transportation to not overstep their authority as they reviewed a WSDOT application to toll I-90.
Mercer Island's efforts to lobby local members of congress to oppose tolling Interstate 90 appeared to gain another ally this month after Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) recently questioned the authority of the federal government to authorize such a plan.
Reichert sent a July 3 letter to Anthony Foxx, the incoming Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation, regarding I-90 tolling.
In his letter, he raised concerns about the potential impacts of tolling on commerce and the legality of tolling I-90. WSDOT is currently seeking to use a pilot program, managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), to allow tolling, if authorized by the State Legislature.
Called the Value Pricing Pilot Program, (VPPP), the FHWA could allow the state to impose a toll on I-90 if it could be demonstrated that a plan was needed to "mitigate congestion."
"There is a concern that WSDOT's primary purpose for tolling I-90 is to pay for SR-520, a separate state highway bridge," Reichert stated in the letter. "As you review WSDOT's application, I request that you ensure the project meets VPPP requirements for congestion mitigation and that tolling I-90 would not be a misuse of VPPP authority."
The Auburn congressman also warned that allowing the application to move forward would set an important precedent for other states "looking to toll Interstate highways to fund their transportation needs."
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"We are very thankful to Congressman Reichert for his support in addressing tolling and look forward to continuing to work with him as he seeks to advocate for our interests and those of the region," said Mercer Island Deputy City Manager Noel Treat in a city press release.
Click here to view the letter to US DOT.
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