No Tolls on Sakonnet Til February, Senate Passes RI Budget

The state Senate passed Article 20 to the $8.2 billion dollar Rhode Island budget on Thursday evening, ensuring no tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge until at least Feb. 1.

In a 36-6 vote, the senate approved the state budget that will take effect on July 1. Final passage of the 2013-14 budget - and deferment of the Sakonnet River Bridge toll - now rests in the hands of Gov. Lincoln Chafee. 

Article 20 to the state's 2012-13 budget pushes off toll collection until February, forming a nine-member commission that will meet for six months throughout the summer and fall to study alternative revenue-generating options that could support the four East Bay bridges. The commission will be composed of three representatives, three senators, the director of the state Dept. of Transportation, the director of the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority and the director of the state Dept. of Administration. 

On Jan. 15, the commission will present its findings to the General Assembly, which will muse the findings and make an ultimate decision on tolls by Feb. 1.

With deferment of the Sakonnet toll, the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority is grappling with ways to generate revenue to support its four bridges - the Sakonnet River, Newport Pell, Mt. Hope and Jamestown bridges. RITBA Chairman David Darlington said on Tuesday that the authority would likely increase fees on the Newport Pell bridge to make up for the lost revenue stream on Route 24 in Portsmouth.

The approved budget plan also reportedly includes a $2.5 million debt payment toward the state's failed investment in the 38 Studios video game company. The payment on the moral-obligation bond should help the state avoid a downgrade of all its bonds by Moody's Investors Service, according to the Providence Journal.

What do you think is the best solution to pay for maintenance to the four East Bay Bridges? Share you thoughts in the comment section below.