Fighting Virginia’s I-81 tolling plan

LLN (1/29/19) – OOIDA is fighting Virginia’s I-81 tolling plan. Also, a Connecticut bill targets clearing the left lane on busy highways. Lawmakers try to keep Connecticut’s rest areas open. A top congressional transportation officials says the government is being stupid about infrastructure. And we discuss the nominee to head the Federal Highway Administration.

0:00 – 9:41 – Newscast

9:41 – 24:25 – Fighting I-81 tolls

24:25 – 39:22 – CT left lane, rest areas; bulletin board

39:22 – 49:10 – Stupid on infrastructure; FHWA nominee

Segment 1

Newscast

• OOIDA is applications for the 2019 Mary Johnston Scholarship Program. Funds go to children, grandchildren and legal dependents of OOIDA members. Each year, the Association awards one $2,000 scholarship and four $1,000 scholarships . Students can use the funds for tuition or any legitimate school-related expenses. And they can be renewed for a total of four years. You must postmark applications and any required materials no later than Feb. 1. Find instructions and applications online.
• OOIDA has recognized Stu Hochfelder, of Bourbonnais, Ill., for 41 years of safe, accident-free driving . Learn more about the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program. Also, read about our latest group of safe drivers, OOIDA recognizes drivers for safe driving records.

Segment 2

An effort is under way to fight Virginia’s plan to toll Interstate 81. And that plan would primarily charge trucks. The Association is focusing on why tolls are wrong for that particular highway, whether aspects of the plan are illegal or even unconstitutional and the nightmare it will create for law enforcement. Mary McKenna has a report.

• Go to https://www.keeptollsoff81.com/ to take action
• The Association issued a Call to Action today urging truckers to contact officials in the state and voice their opposition to the plan. If you live in Virginia, please send a pre-generated letter in opposition to tolling I-81 by clicking here.
• Truckers based elsewhere but who run through Virginia are encouraged to call the governor’s office at 804-786-2211. You can also contact OOIDA Mike Matousek for help or if you have questions. Reach Mike at 816-229-5791, or at Mike_Matousek@ooida.com.
• Read more from Land Line Magazine:
  • OOIDA ‘vehemently opposes’ I-81 toll legislation in letter to Virginia governor.
  • I-81 bill would penalize drivers for using Route 11 to avoid toll.
  • Virginia governor, lawmakers propose tolls for I-81 corridor plan.
  • Board recommends against truck-only tolls in I-81 corridor.

Segment 3

Connecticut lawmakers have introduced a bill intended to keep the far left lane of the state’s busiest highways clear. Terry Scruton discusses that – as well as keeping the state’s rest areas open – with our state legislative expert, Keith Goble. Also: Mary McKenna and Mark Reddig offer up some important notices from the Land Line Now community Bulletin Board.

• Read more from Land Line Magazine, Connecticut bill tightens rule on left lane use.
• To read about legislation in a particular state, visit the OOIDA Legislative page.

Segment 4

One of the top transportation officials in Congress says the government is being stupid about how it’s handling infrastructure. Mark Reddig covers that – plus the nominee to head the Federal Highway Administration and more – with Nile Elam of OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office. Also, OOIDA has issued a Call to Action to any trucker who lives or drives through Virginia regarding the plan to toll I-81. We’ll have the details.

• It’s never too late to share your views with lawmakers. You can do that at FightingForTruckers.com.
• To call members of Congress, dial 202-224-3121.
• Read OOIDA’s Guide to Contacting Lawmakers.