Study: Elimination Of Texas Toll Roads Would Cost $24B
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DALLAS (CBS11) - To get rid of all toll roads in Texas, a new report put out by the Texas Department of Transportation says it will cost the state more than $24 billion.
State lawmakers requested TxDOT to come up with an estimate to eliminate toll roads, although; lawmakers don't expect all tolls to go away.
While a complete elimination is not feasible, Rep Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said he believes some tolls could go away.
The El Paso lawmaker said he also hopes this report will lead to "better informed decisions" about future toll projects.
"I think the local elected officials should hold everyone accountable and show us that every project going forward has some positive effect on congestion relief," said Rep. Pickett.
According to TxDOT's report, toll roads operated by the North Texas Transportation Authority account for more than $9 billion in outstanding principal.
The fees collected by the NTTA not only go to pay off debt, but the money is used for road maintenance, expansion, and new toll road projects.
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