Chamber Board opposes tolls on Interstate 95

November 12, 2003

Saying it would have devastating consequences on tourism and industrial recruitment, the Chamber Board of Directors has adopted a resolution strong opposing Interstate 95 becoming a toll road.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has asked the Federal Highway Commission for permission to make I-95 a toll road for a minimum of 30 years beginning in 2013 in order to pay for improvements to the road. The cost for driving through the state in one direction would be $18. The General Assembly would have to approve the plan.

The Chamber’s resolution states that the $712 million in annual visitor spending in the seven counties along I-95 would be jeopardized. Motels, restaurants, outlets, retail shops, antique stores, museums and many other businesses would stand to loose business.

The toll could place an undue hardship on existing companies that rely on trucking. Trucks make up about a third on the current traffic on I-95. Also prospective new companies could look elsewhere when considering a new development. Local citizens, who use the road for commuting to work, and traveling to nearby cities would also be affected.

The resolution also notes that a significant amount of traffic could be diverted to U.S. 301, which is not equipped to handle as many as 17,000 additional vehicles per day.