During an appearance on Mobile radio’s FM Talk 106.5 on Monday, Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl, a candidate for Alabama’s first congressional seat to be vacated by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Fairhope), told listeners it was his understanding the Alabama Department of Transportation intended to levy a toll on vehicles using the existing I-10 Wallace Tunnel immediately upon the proposed new Mobile Bay Bridge’s construction.
“Immediately, so I am told,” Carl said. “They will start tolling it immediately [upon breaking ground of the bridge]. I was told at that meeting it would be immediately.”
However, according to reporting from Mobile NBC affiliate WPMI’s Andrea Ramey, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) says that is not the case.
Bridge project spokeswoman Allison Gregg says Carl’s statements are, “not true. We have always said and are committed to no early tolling” @mynbc15 @CarlForAlabama @fmtalk1065 @ALDOTMobileArea https://t.co/4nSspiiUSY
— Andrea Ramey (@Andrea_WPMI) July 16, 2019
“Bridge project spokesperson Allison Gregg said Carl’s statements are ‘not true. We have always said and are committed to no early tolling,'” Ramey wrote.
The proposed toll for both the new bridge and the existing tunnel have been met with strong opposition, including a Facebook group that has amassed nearly 26,000 followers in just a few weeks.
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University, the editor of Breitbart TV and host of “The Jeff Poor Show” from 2-5 p.m. on WVNN in Huntsville.
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