Hampton Roads Officials Ponder Tolls

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) - Hampton Roads leaders are considering tolls and gas tax increases to pay for transportation improvements over the next two decades.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization, consisting of area leaders, reviewed projects Wednesday that would cost regional governments $3.2 billion. Other sources, including the federal government, would be tapped to pay the rest of the $7.4 billion tab.

Transportation planners have warned of increasing gridlock in the next 20 years unless major improvements are made.

Area city managers and county administrators have recommended imposing tolls averaging $1.50 on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, a proposed third crossing and the Southeastern Parkway linking Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. The

roposal also calls for a $1 toll on U.S. 460 in South Hampton Roads.

Newport News Mayor Joe Frank, a member of the planning organization, suggested an economic impact study of the tolls, saying they "could have a chilling effect on the exchange of commerce on both sides of the water."

The leaders also recommended raising the tax on gasoline sold in the area by an average of 12 cents per gallon over 20 years.

2033