Monday, Republican State Sen. Chris Elliot (R-Fairhope) joined Sean Sullivan of Talk 106.5’s “Midday Mobile” to discuss the proposed I-10 bridge project in Mobile.
Policymakers have suggested tolls as an option, which Yellowhammer News reported Monday, “Dollar figures for the proposed toll that would be levied on those crossing the new Bayway bridge and the existing Wallace Tunnel range from $3-6.”
Elliot pointed out the expense of the project and how little ALDOT is doing to assist with the project.
“The current plan that ALDOT has presented for the capital stack, right, which is the how we make up the funding for this project, has about seven percent of the total project cost coming from the United States Department of Transportation. It is right at about $150 million out of a $2.1 billion project anticipated cost,” he stated.
Elliot went on to say the people of Baldwin County are being treated “fundamentally differently” by ALDOT than other people in the state.
While Elliot said that some sort of toll may be acceptable due to it being “one of the largest” projects contemplated by the state of Alabama, he also pointed out that revenue from the gas tax could be used to offset the high toll cost.
“The current proposed toll rate of $6 for the I-10 Mobile River Bridge for frequent users is a non-starter. ALDOT must increase the public subsidy (down payment) for this project to decrease the toll for local commuters. The new gas tax can absolutely be used to accomplish this.”
Listen to the full interview here.
Kyle Morris also contributes daily to Breitbart News. You can follow him on Twitter @RealKyleMorris.
