In January, the governors of Ohio and Kentucky said they will work together to develop a cost-savings plan that will move the stalled $2.6 billion bridge project forward, including the use of a toll fare that will be charged to drivers.
Last week, Kentucky’s House advanced a bill that would allow public-private partnerships on large transportation projects such as the Brent Spence Bridge. However, the bill doesn’t mandate the use of tolls on any project.
“Part of our problem is with the Kentucky General Assembly and their inability to act. We will get a bridge, it’s just a question of when, and it will be tolled,” said Jerry Wray, ODOT director.
Wray was the keynote speaker Thursday at the first meeting of the Dayton Area Logistics Association, a chamber initiative launched in November to provide support and advocacy for the region’s logistics and distribution industry. The event attracted nearly 100 area business leaders to the Dayton Marriott on South Patterson Boulevard.
Kevin Burch, president of Dayton-based Jet Express Inc., said he would support an increase in the gasoline tax, rather than having his company’s trucks pay tolls to help fund road and highway improvements.
Wray appeared to support Burch’s statement, but said fuel-efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles “cloud” the issue. Other options, like a vehicle miles-traveled tax, would have to be done at a national level, he said.
ODOT spokesman Matt Bruning later clarified Wray’s comments in an email to the the Dayton Daily News, saying the director doesn’t support an increase in the gas tax.
“Director Jerry Wray believes it is not out of the question that some members of Congress would support an increase in the federal gas tax. Director Wray also believes that the increase in fuel efficient, electric, and hybrid vehicles means an alternative funding source is needed, but what that source is remains to be seen,” Bruning said.
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