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2:55 p.m. • 2-10-12

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Higher Vehicle Taxes, Fees Could Drive Toll Road Projects


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Drivers who don't use toll roads might still have to pay for their construction under a proposal under consideration by state lawmakers.

Sen. Clark Jenkins, D-Edgecombe, has introduced a bill that would raise vehicle registration fees by $15 and the sales tax on vehicles by 1 percent to generate money to build toll roads. The changes could bring in $300 million for new roads, he said.

"They need to start the process in 60 to 90 days, or they will miss the window of opportunity that could delay it as much as two years," Jenkins said.

Money would go to several toll projects, including $18 million for the proposed Triangle Expressway to connect the Durham Freeway with Interstate 540 in western Wake County, and would be divided among the state's highway districts, he said.

The bill, which is in the Senate Finance Committee, also would earmark money for projects to relieve traffic congestion in major corridors in urban areas.

But some lawmakers and drivers said they don't like the idea.

"It just seems like, every time we turn around, we've got some kind of increased tax. (It's) always for a good purpose, but you've got to look at the big picture, you know. When do you stop adding on these additional taxes?" said state Sen. Neal Hunt, R-Wake.

"I'm against that myself. I think they use ... all the money they're already getting from us," driver Rodney Martin said.

RELATED TOPICS: Wake County, Durham

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GREAT! Another new tax. Aren't our legislators wonderful? I wish they were in Raleigh 365 days a year. At the end of the year we would have 365 new taxes to pay.

They can't solve the death penalty debacle, but they can sure as heck think of new ways to tax us.

I saw on the news last night they were talking about some "temporary tax" that was about to expire, and they're now going to make it permanent (or at least propose to).

That is why we need to fight vehemently against ANY tax increase, even if they label it "temporary". Once politicians get their greedy, grubby, fat little fingers on our wallets, they don't want to let go without a fight. I say we give 'em one!!!!

So they raise taxes & fees to build more roads. The newly expanded roads allow for comfortable growth of The Triangle ever further from the urban centers, AND THEN WE NEED MORE ROADS. (An endless cycle...)

The taxes and fees (& tolls) will stay long after their original purpose has been fulfilled. Need proof? Look at the "temporary increase" in the state sales tax that they're proposing to make permanent... (All this while simultaneously allowing an upper income tax on those making more than $200,000 to expire.. This tax probably includes most of the GA members.)

http://www.wral.com/news/state/video/1640748/ http://www.wral.com/news/local/politics/video/1515721/

Are ya'll tired of it yet? Voices were heard nationwide in the last election so now how about we do it here and get these scumbags out.

Go ahead our wonderful lawmakers, take my money. I don't really need it to pay rent or car payments or insurance while you live in your million dollar homes.

Nancy, I guess you don't travel many country roads.

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