NoLaTolls - When the tolls go away

The DOTD finances all other Mississippi River bridges, why not the Crescent City Connection?"

In fact, when tolls cease, the DOTD has promised to treat us just like they do the other 13,204 bridges and 16,666 miles of roadway they service. No better and no worse. In a word: fair. (Hear how Senator Robert Adley, Transportation Committee Chairman, describes “fair” as he has experienced in his area: AKA “Priority Program Stinks” )

Bottom line, to ensure the entire state is treated fairly, the DOTD uses the Highway Priority Program. Simply put, it determines the funding of projects based upon critical need. Even before Governal Jindal cut the budget by $900 million, there were over 7 years of projects on the Highway Priority Program awaiting funding.

But we DO pay a toll. And for that forty cents, CCC drivers get 12 things the rest of the state does not.

1	A dedicated police force that removes debris and accidents and keeps traffic moving

2	Iconic lighting that defines the New Orleans skyline

3	Double the trash pick-up and grass-cutting services

4	Landscaping, NAV through the DOTD

5	Maintenance as needed verses having to compete with the rest of the state via the Highway Priority Program

6	Painting every 20 years verses 50 years as the Old Baton Rouge is now experiencing

7	A dedicated yearly revenue stream of $22 M+ for which we fully control the use of funds

8	Bonding capabilities because of that revenue stream which enables us to obtain over $150 M for capital projects

9	Matching federal funding capabilities for which we would not qualify if we had no revenue stream

10	The ability to finance the projects WE choose

11	A ferry service that takes takes 3 million annual users off the bridge + creates a greener, healthier option for commuters & tourists

12	The ability to keep our area’s vehicle registration revenue (approximately $5 M annually) rather than having to share it with the rest of the state

Do we really want "fair?" If not convinced, refer to “The Priority Program Stinks” above.