Malloy Announces Support For Gas Tax Hike, Highway Tolls

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced his support Wednesday for highway tolls and a gradual increase in the gasoline tax to pay for road projects, according to multiple reports.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy called for a 7-cent per gallon increase in the state gas tax over four years and the return of highway tolls after three decades to pay for crumbling infrastructure.
Photo Credit: *CT-N*

Jon Craig

01/31/2018 1:27 p.m.

Malloy says Connecticut's crumbling and overcrowded roads are costing the state jobs, and he says it's time to bring tolls back after three decades.

The governor’s plan would bring tolls back by the year 2022.

In the meantime, gas taxes would go up 7 cents per gallon over the next four years.

"Our biggest impediment to an even more vibrant economy is our decade’s long refusal to invest in transportation,” Malloy said. “We see it every single day."

The state DOT has already put $200 million in road projects on hold because of a state budget crunch. Malloy said that if state lawmakers don't act, Metro-North fares also will jump sharply this year.

“We stand at a crossroads in Connecticut,” the governor said during a mid-morning announcement at the Capitol. “We need to make a decision, and we need to make it soon.”

More on that announcement can be read in the Connecticut Mirror by clicking here.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.