The state Transportation Department kicks-off a series of meetings today on ideas for a future funding for highway, mass transit, and even bicycle projects.
However, a DOT panel has already rejected toll booths as an option, to the dismay of Craig Thompson of the non-government Transportation Development Association. Thompson says putting tolls in has become much easier with modern technology, such as the "I-Pass" and open road tolling used in Illinois. He says that has helped to eliminate many of the concerns people have had about tolls in the past.
Thompson says it's an option many states are considering, as they struggle to deal with a declining gas tax revenues that are used to fund road projects.
