Bridge tolls under RI proposed budget

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP/WPRI) -- A Rhode Island lawmaker says he will oppose plans to charge tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge.

Rep. Dan Reilly says the toll proposal in a tentative state budget unveiled Thursday would pose a burden to residents and commuters in the East Bay.

The Portsmouth Republican says that for his constituents, bridge tolls would be worse than the tax hikes.

The budget proposal would transfer control of the bridge to the state's Bridge and Turnpike Authority, which has the authority to impose tolls on the bridge.

• At a Glance: House Budget Proposal

"We try to get all the bridges into one entity instead of half under DOT, half under Turnpike Authority."

The amount of the tolls hasn't been set. The budget leaves room for and additional toll on the Jamestown Bridge.

Governor Lincoln Chafee isn't convinced.

"I think that is unlikely, we are looking at other tolls but not on the Jamestown Bridge," he said.

The budget proposal would also impose taxes on taxi fares, car washes and clothing costing $250 or more.

The House is scheduled to vote on the $8.1 billion spending plan next week.