Truck Tolls: RI Trucking Association Speaks Out on Court Decision to Allow Reactivation

Truck Tolls: RI Trucking Association Speaks Out on Court Decision to Allow Reactivation

Chris Maxwell, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Trucking Association, issued a statement on Saturday in response to Friday’s First Circuit Court of Appeals decision reinstating the state's controversial so-called “truck tolls."

“The First Circuit confirmed that the RhodeWorks caps spared the Rhode Island trucking industry, and the Rhode Island residents they serve, from the full burden of the tolls. If Gov. McKee and the General Assembly are considering reactivating the tolls without those protective caps, they first need to consider whether they are willing to break the promise that was made to the local business community as a condition of passage of the legislation, and be candid with Rhode Island residents that these increased costs will be reflected in the price of goods, nearly all of which reach them by truck,” said Maxwell.

“As was the case nearly a decade ago when the truck-only tolling program was first introduced, the Rhode Island Trucking Association remains open and committed to working with state leadership to find a more sustainable and equitable infrastructure funding solution that does not so egregiously impact our local businesses and consumers,” he added.

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When asked if there was a plan to appeal the decision, Maxwell said, “This is RITA’s statement. ATA is weighing their options."

 

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On Friday, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha praised the Court's decision.

“In 2016, the General Assembly and Governor Raimondo made the decision that tolling trucks is in the best interest of all Rhode Islanders and a necessary revenue source to support repairs and upkeep of the state’s transportation system.  

We have now successfully defended the legality and constitutionality of that decision. 

Today, the First Circuit has held that, with the exception of caps on tolls, RhodeWorks is constitutional. We have been confident that this will be the eventual outcome, and we are grateful for the First Circuit’s well-reasoned decision in this case.”