By Sam Wroblewski, reporting Andrew Augustus
State Republicans and the Rhode Island Trucking Association are putting Governor Gina Raimodno’s RhodeWorks proposal under a microscope as the two parties continue to offer alternatives to tolling commercial truckers.
In statements released separately on Wednesday, both parties questioned the data making up the base of the governor’s tolling proposal and say the numbers do not add up.
During a press conference, state Republicans released a thirteen-point critique of the Raimondo’s plan saying the numbers were cherry picked to create a rose-colored impact study.
“We don’t need tolls in Rhode Island,” declared Representative Patricia Morgan “[When] this report was put together the data that was inconvenient was left out to sell the idea that we desperately need tolls in Rhode Island.”
Among the questions raised in the Republican release, several point to the number of bridges which will actually be repaired with the RhodeWorks funds. Republicans assert that of the 224 bridges labeled as structurally deficient, only 152 will be repaired. And of those bridges, the bulk of the money earmarked will go towards fixing the 6/10 connector ($400 million) with only $200 million being set aside for the rest of the repairs.
Above all, Morgan says the cost impact of RhodeWorks to the state was only estimated for 10 years out of the 30 year bond commitment.
“She’s only included the ten years when things are happening and not the other 20 years when we are continuing to pay for those things,” said Morgan.
RITA also disputed some of RhodeWorks findings, saying the numbers of trucks driving through I-195 are inaccurate. Reaching out to an independent research nonprofit, RITA found:
“[F]or every 100 trucks traveling I-95 from CT border to I-295, there are 50 trucks traveling on I-195. RhodeWorks data shows that for every 25 trucks traveling the same route on I-95 (CT line to I-295), there are 100 trucks traveling I-195.”
In a statement, Rhode Island Truckers say if Raimondo’s estimates are as inaccurate as the numbers suggest, then projected revenue from tolling could be off by as much as $30 million.
The Trucking Association also released its own plan on how to fix the roads and bridges by nixing tolling and using existing revenue which it projects will total $220 million over the next four years.
Raimondo’s office responded tot he trucker’s plan saying:
“We’re reviewing the truckers’ plan, but at first glance two main concerns jump out: it wouldn’t generate nearly enough money to tackle the enormity of the problem, and it would impose most of the costs on Rhode Island trucks and businesses.”
This isn’t the first time there has been confusion and controversy surrounding the RhodeWorks proposal. After the Governor’s initial announcement it was revealed that certain trucks promised to be exempt from tolling during Raimondo’s speech were in fact listed as trucks which could be tolled under the plan.
House Finance Chairman Raymond Gallison there is no formal legislation for tolling, but when there is the public can expect hearings and the house to conduct its own economic impact study.
