By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
Members of the Rhode Island trucking industry are quickly crying foul after reports emerged of a potential new toll on tractor trailers crossing the state.
Joshua Werchadlo, Vice President of Riverside –based JLine Transportation, says if the Governor follows through on rumors to toll 18-wheelers, she is unfairly singling out an already sufficiently taxed industry.
“We already pay for our fair share of taxes to maintain bridges and roads through something called the international fuel tax agreement based on a formula on the miles we travel through each state and the gallons purchased in each state,” said Werchadlo.
“This tax would be a double tax which I don’t think is fair.”
State Senator Nick Kettle (R-Coventry) told WPRO’s John DePetro Tuesday he had heard talk of the Governor tolling tractor trailers in order to pay for a $700 million revenue bond to be put towards state infrastructure. The Governor’s office did not return any messages for comment on the alleged proposal.
“I’m shocked that they are considering putting another burden on businesses in our state,” said Werchadlo “Our economy is still recovering and they’re just trying to add another burden.”
The Governor’s office is set to make an announcement regarding infrastructure spending Wednesday afternoon, however neither the governor or state leadership have indicated if it includes additional tolls.
