Only on 12: Gov. Lamont willing to scale back toll plans

Gov. Lamont pushed for implementing 50 toll readers on four major highways by 2023.

News 12 Staff

Jun 11, 2019, 10:15 PM

Updated 1,782 days ago

Share:

Gov. Ned Lamont has been pushing his plan for adding tolls to Connecticut highways for months, but Tuesday he said he is willing to compromise and scale back his plan.
News 12 Connecticut's John Craven sat down with the governor for one-on-one interview today.
All year, Lamont has been pushing his plan to add 50 toll readers to all three interstates and Route 15. Prices would be almost 10 cents a mile. In-state drivers would pay half that price.
However, without enough votes in the state Senate, both sides are going back to the drawing board. Lamont now says he is willing to consider changing his toll plan.
"Maybe we ramp up to tolls over a period of time," says Lamont. "Maybe we start with a little bit of borrowing until we get tolls done. Maybe we do tolls not everywhere, but somewhere."
Last week, both Democrats and Republicans indicated they are also willing to compromise by only tolling specific bridges or specific construction projects.
"There's a lot of options," says Rep. Matt Ritter. "People have talked about this, we talk about this. Bridges are a major cost in Connecticut because we're blessed to be a beautiful state with a lot of water."
Gov. Lamont says he doesn't want a halfway solution, but is someone who knows how to negotiate a fair deal. He plans to meet with lawmakers about tolls next week.
The governor says no matter where both sides land on the matter, he wants it done quickly. That will be done this summer in a special session in Hartford.


More from News 12
0:27
Police: Norwalk man arrested in connection to Main Street stabbing

Police: Norwalk man arrested in connection to Main Street stabbing

1:50
Scattered showers overnight for Connecticut; sun returns Sunday afternoon

Scattered showers overnight for Connecticut; sun returns Sunday afternoon

1:43
Hundreds of Fairfield University students celebrate annual springtime Clam Jam

Hundreds of Fairfield University students celebrate annual springtime Clam Jam

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:59
Danbury Hospital employees demand fair contract as rallies continue

Danbury Hospital employees demand fair contract as rallies continue

0:21
Stratford PD: Woman wanted on felony robbery warrant considered ‘armed and dangerous’

Stratford PD: Woman wanted on felony robbery warrant considered ‘armed and dangerous’

0:26
Milford FD: Person extricated from rollover crash

Milford FD: Person extricated from rollover crash

0:22
Officials: Norwalk man drove off the road and landed in the Five Mile River in Darien

Officials: Norwalk man drove off the road and landed in the Five Mile River in Darien

0:41
'Walk A Mile in Her Shoes' in Fairfield raises awareness about sexual and domestic violence

'Walk A Mile in Her Shoes' in Fairfield raises awareness about sexual and domestic violence

2:28
Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

1:46
Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

0:24
Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

Orange volunteer firefighters raise thousands to benefit the American Lung Association

2:37
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

1:01
Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

Bridgeport officers rescue man threatening to jump off bridge on I-95

1:46
Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

Kids Helping Kids and Person to Person partner to host annual Handled with Care Boutique

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York