Rep. Ray Gallison (D-69) has called on Gov. Chafee to replace members of the Board of Directors and staff of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA), according to a statement released this afternoon. Gallison cited the authority’s proposals for toll increases on the Pell Bridge and the reinstatement of tolls on the Mount Hope Bridge in the letter sent to Chafee on Monday.

Tolls were eliminated from Mount Hope in 1998 when the RITBA said tolls on the nearby Pell Bridge, which costs drivers $2 per axle to cross, would provide plenty of money to maintain both. RITBA has been considering plans to reinstate tolls on the Mount Hope Bridge, possibly at a rate as high as $3 per axle. Rep. Gallison said reinstating the tolls on the span connecting Bristol and Portsmouth would be breaking a promise made to Rhode Islanders over a decade ago.

“For the past several years all we have heard from the Turnpike and Bridge Authority is that they need to increase tolls on the Pell Bridge and put back the tolls on the Mount Hope Bridge,” he wrote. “They expend funds to conduct study after study when they already have a preconceived outcome, which is to increase the tolls and toll the Mount Hope Bridge. We are never presented with any new ideas even though when the EZ Pass system went into operation we were advised that that system would provide necessary revenues to maintain both the Pell and Mount Hope Bridge.

“Previously, upon the recommendation of a consultant study, the Turnpike and Bridge Authority removed the tolls from the Mount Hope Bridge. However, the document that recommended that action seems to have been forgotten.

“In my opinion, raising tolls on the Pell Bridge, and reinstituting tolls on the Mount Hope Bridge will have a negative impact upon the tourism industry in our State, as well as those existing Rhode Island companies, and those from out of state doing business in Rhode Island.

“It is time for a change at the Turnpike and Bridge Authority,” he concluded.

Editorial note: Written from a General Assembly press release.