Lawmakers reject proposal to exempt I-94 from tolling in Northwest Indiana: Report

A proposal to exempt Lake and Porter counties from new highway tolls authorized by House Bill 1461 was rejected by the House Ways and Means Committee. State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, argued that residents in these counties already face tolls on the Indiana Toll Road and Cline Avenue Bridge and contribute significant road-related revenue through taxes. However, the committee, led by Republicans, dismissed the exemption, with State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, emphasizing the need for all options, including tolling, to address statewide infrastructure funding, reported the Journal Gazette.

The bill, advancing to the full House, would permit the Indiana Department of Transportation to seek federal approval for tolls on all interstates, including I-80, I-94, and I-65 in Northwest Indiana, removing the current ban on tolls within 75 miles of the Indiana Toll Road. It also allows tolls on U.S. highways and state routes with General Assembly approval. Additionally, counties must impose a wheel tax or surtax to qualify for $200 million in Community Crossings grants. A proposal for a new tax on home deliveries was also rejected.