By Anaradis Rodriguez -- February 22 2010
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If you are one of the 44 percent of Massachusetts residents commuting across state lines, you may have to shell out the bucks for yet another toll.
Transportation officials in New Hampshire are considering building another toll system on Interstate 93.
Public information officer for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation Bill Boynton said the electronic toll will pay the $250 million needed to complete a 20-mile widening of 93.
"At the current rate that we are going we will not be able to complete the project until about 2030, unless we come up with some additional funding sources," said Boynton in a WERS interview.
New Hampshire is vying to be part of a federal highway pilot program which allows toll collections to fund any construction developments in three states.
So far this program has been approved in two states, Virginia and Missouri, leaving one spot up for grabs. The electronic toll will contain no booth, it will be the shape of a highway sign and it will allow commuters to pay their toll while remaining at highway speeds.
"Those who have electronic capabilities with EZ Pass will simply be charged for the toll and then those who do not will be sent a bill in the mail," said Boynton.
Boynton said before the toll is built there is a process that must be followed.
"All of this is contingent upon approval of the application, the application would have to be submitted, it would have to be approved and then the New Hampshire legislature would have to be fully debate it and also approve it in addition to the governor," Boynton said.
If the application is approved by the Federal Highway Administration, the toll will be located between Exit 1 and the New Hampshire border by the year 2014.
