To toll or not to toll? That was one of the questions facing the Washington State Legislature that was not answered when it adjourned April 26.
The Legislature approved a plan to toll the State Route 520 floating bridge over Lake Washington, but it avoided making a decision on tolling the Interstate 90 bridge.
This issue was watched closely by the Suburban Cities Association, an organization that helps King County’s suburban cities lobby the state government. North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing represents North Bend and Snoqualmie on the group, and is a vice president of the SCA.
The SCA considered taking a stance on tolling Interstate 90. Some cities in the organization were for it, but others were against the tolls.
“I suggested that we not take up the issue, because it was contentious. It was not in the best interest of the association, and it was an issue that one way or another would divide the association,” Hearing said.
Some cities worried that tolling only the 520 bridge would encourage commuters to use the Interstate 90 option when crossing Lake Washington. Presumably, this would lead to increased traffic and congestion on Interstate 90. Other communities were not in favor of tolling because it might make tourist or other visitors think twice about traveling over a bridge that requires a toll.
The city of North Bend might not have a stake in tolling, but Snoqualmie Valley residents who use the Interstate 90 bridge while commuting to and from work would be affected by the tolls. Hearing noted that his wife drives over the bridge twice a day in her commute, and was not happy at the prospect of having to pay a toll.
Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson thinks that the toll might have some impact on tourism, commuters and visitors to the Snoqualmie Casino. Larson has chosen not to take a position on the issue, and tolling has not been discussed by the City Council.
However, he is quick to point out both sides to the issue.
“While the cost of a toll is not attractive, those same constituencies require a good regional transportation system. Unfortunately, good transportation systems do not come for free and we all need to find a way to finance the needed improvements,” Larson wrote in an e-mail to the SnoValley Star.
He went on to note that, without tolls, the predicted traffic jams could also frustrate commuters and tourists trying to get to the Valley.
“Tolling may hurt in the short term; however, I am equally concerned that the future costs (in dollars and quality of life) of continued neglect will be far greater,” Larson said.
Tolling on the State Route 520 bridge is expected to start Oct. 1, 2010.
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