Wisconsin Business Leaders Raise Concerns On Highway Tolling

Wisconsin business leaders say a plan to introduce highway tolling to help pay for road work could hurt the economy.

Some members of the state’s business lobby and members of the tourism, hospitality and manufacturing sectors told The Wisconsin State Journal tolls could deter tourists, increase the cost of transporting goods and limit highway access.

The response calls into question whether lawmakers will back tolling when some their powerful and deep-pocketed allies oppose it.

The lawmakers are considering introducing highway tolling in the state as part of the next state budget to help pay for road construction and repairs.

The plan would require federal approval because under current law states can only begin tolling in limited forms.

A study released by the state Department of Transportation in December estimates the plan would take at least four years to implement and could cost as much as $400 million.

Lawmakers are also considering a gas tax cut for residents.

The deadline for the budget’s passage is Saturday, July 1.