Republicans Propose Transporation Plan to Avoid Tolls

Republican legislators are proposing a 30-year, $37.4 billion plan to pay for a proposed overhaul of Connecticut's transportation system without resurrecting tolls.

The plan was unveiled Tuesday, about a week before Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will present his two-year budget and transportation initiative.

Both Senate and House Republicans propose dedicating a set amount of bonds to be used solely for transportation projects, starting with $441.5 million in fiscal year 2016. That would complement the approximate $600 million in bonding already spent annually for transportation.

Some Democratic lawmakers contend tolls are needed to raise revenues. But Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano said "tolls don't work."

Malloy spokesman Devon Puglia criticized the GOP plan for not prioritizing projects. He also said the proposed funding levels would likely finance the status quo.