Gov. Dannel Malloy announced his support Wednesday for highway tolls and a gradual increase in the gasoline tax to pay for road projects.
Gov. Malloy says Connecticut's crumbling and overcrowded roads are costing the state jobs, and he says it's time to bring electronic tolls back after three decades. The governor's plan would bring tolls back by the year 2022.
"Our biggest impediment to an even more vibrant economy is our decade's long refusal to invest in transportation," says Malloy. "We see it every single day."
In the meantime, gas taxes would go up seven cents a gallon gradually over the next four years. News of an increase in gas tax is not sitting well with some drivers.
"You've got to pay for fuel, you've got to pay for the work on the truck and the roads," says Adam Boone, of Wallingford. "I mean, it adds up as a truck driver."
The state Department of Transportation has already put $200 million in road projects on hold because of a money crunch.
Gov. Malloy says if state lawmakers don't act, Metro-North fares will jump sharply this year.