DENTON, MD - Members of the General Assembly delegation for Maryland's Eastern Shore may not have a vote on increasing toll rates for the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge crossing the Chesapeake Bay, but they are continuing to fight against the state's proposal.
Maryland Transportation Authority officials are proposing to raise the standard Bay Bridge toll from $2.50 to $5 in October, then to $8 in July 2013. State officials also have submitted a proposal to increase the tolls for commercial vehicles crossing the Bay.
Public hearings were held around the state by MDTA officials on their proposed toll hikes and the public record remains open until 5 p.m. Aug. 1 for concerned citizens to submit written testimony.
"I don't know anybody that's in favor of increasing tolls," state Sen. Richard Colburn, R-37-Mid-Shore, said Friday.
Colburn said he wrote a letter May 19 to Gov. Martin O'Malley opposing the toll increases. Colburn called the Bay Bridge a vital link for commuters and commercial traffic and said higher bridge tolls could lead to increased prices for goods on the Shore.
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