PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - State lawmakers fighting tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge want to delay any possible toll increase until they can review alternatives.
A bill introduced Wednesday would prohibit the state’s Turnpike and Bridge Authority from raising the 10-cent toll before July 1.
The authority initially pushed for much higher tolls on the bridge until lawmakers voted last year to cap the toll at 10 cents until April 1.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. John Edwards of Portsmouth, says extending the 10-cent toll cap until July 1 would give lawmakers time to consider other proposals for raising money for bridge maintenance. Edwards’ bill is supported by several top lawmakers in the House.
Residents and business owners in the East Bay say bridge tolls will hurt commuters, small businesses and tourism.
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