Tolls being considered for RI roads

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - State transportation officials are considering tolls as a way to raise money for desperately needed highway and bridge repairs.

Governor Carcieri's Blue Ribbon Panel for Transportation Funding is charged with coming up with ways for the state to maintain its roads.

The state Transportation Department says it needs to spend more than $600 million per year, while its present sources produce just over $300 million.

The panel is supposed to makes its recommendations in November.

Some other options include leasing bridges or highways to private companies to maintain and operate in return for the toll revenue; raising the state sales or gasoline taxes and using the money for transportation; raising the car registration fee; and building a high-quality truck stop.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)