Bill that limits OK of I-81 tolls to Virginia legislature passes

Interstate 81 runs north and south through Virginia. (The Trucker map)

The Associated Press

2/29/2008

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia legislators want to be the only ones who can authorize putting tolls on Interstate 81, and unless the governor steps in they'll get their way.

The House voted 93-5 Friday to send Governor Timothy Kaine a bill specifying that only the General Assembly can decide to put tolls on the interstate. It was sponsored by legislators along the 323 miles of I-81 that run through southwest Virginia.

The legislation was in response to the Virginia Department of Transportation's recommendation to widen the interstate and possibly place tolls on it. Legislators said the bill is needed so that the decision to place tolls on I-81 is not made by an unelected board.

I-81 stretches from New York to Tennessee.