Rhode Island will once again be allowed to charge tolls on trucks driving on its interstates.
A three judge panel of the First U.S. Court of Appeals Friday, Dec. 6, ruled the tolls created in 2016 as part of the state's RhodeWorks plan were constitutional. However, the court ruled the program's caps on tolls for local traffic were unconstitutional.
The ruling was in response to a suit brought by the American Truc king Associations against the state's Turnpike and Bridge Authority.
Chris Maxwell, CEO of the Rhode Island Trucking Association, Saturday released the following statement:
"The First Circuit confirmed that the RhodeWorks caps spared the Rhode Island trucking industry, and the Rhode Island residents they serve, from the full burden of the tolls. Suppose Gov. McKee and the General Assembly are considering reactivating the tolls without those protective caps. In that case, they first need to consider whether they are willing to break the promise that was made to the local business community as a condition of passage of the legislation, and be candid with Rhode Island residents that these increased costs will be reflected in the price of goods, nearly all of which reach them by truck.
"As was the case nearly a decade ago when the truck-only tolling program was first introduced, the Rhode Island Trucking Association remains open and committed to working with state leadership to find a more sustainable and equitable infrastructure funding solution that does not so egregiously impact our local businesses and consumers."
Gov. Dan McKee is said to be conferring with legislative leaders about when to reimposed the tolls.
“The court’s ruling allows the state to continue using a proven tool to make vital upgrades and repairs to Rhode Island’s infrastructure, a matter of great importance to residents and businesses across our state,” McKee said in a statement.
“The ruling also prevents what could have been a major clawback of tens of millions of dollars in previously collected toll funds, which would have been a significant blow to Rhode Island taxpayers.”
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today issued a statement following the court's decision.
“In 2016, the General Assembly and Governor (Gina) Raimondo made the decision that tolling trucks is in the best interest of all Rhode Islanders and a necessary revenue source to support repairs and upkeep of the state’s transportation system," said Neronha.
"We have now successfully defended the legality and constitutionality of that decision.
"Today, the First Circuit has held that, with the exception of caps on tolls, RhodeWorks is constitutional. We have been confident that this will be the eventual outcome, and we are grateful for the First Circuit’s well-reasoned decision in this case.”
