To the Editor:

Mr Knapp’s response (“Tolls Just Another Expense For The Middle Class”, 8/10/2018) makes false claims on points in my original letter (“Time For Tolls”, 8/10/2018) while obfuscating the entire subject of providing a means to move Connecticut and its roadway infrastructure forward.

Nowhere do I propose any idea that we should only toll out-of-state drivers, which Mr Knapp points out is illegal. What I said was “…several states even charge higher rates to out-of-state residents vs what in-state residents pay.” The fact is — nine states legally charge higher rates to out-of-state drivers versus what in-state drivers pay.

Mr Knapp goes on to cite a number of misleading statistics to support his flawed argument. Comparing what we spend on our roadways and administration to national averages is wrong. National averages don’t work because they don’t take into account the differences in the geographic sizes of states, population densities, topography, and differences in weather.

Southern states don’t deal with the same winter weather that increases the cost of road maintenance while shortening roadway lifespans that northern states face. Additionally, the cost of living and prevailing wages are significantly lower in most regions of the country outside the Northeast.

Comparing what Connecticut spends on its roadways to other states in our region, which experience similar weather and have similar costs of living and wage rates, is a more valid measure. According to a study by the Urban Institute published last year (Highway and Road Expenditures, 12/15/17), for fiscal year 2015, Connecticut had the second lowest state spending per capita on roadways for the 11 states between Maryland and Maine.

Why do we spend less on our roadways? Because we don’t collect enough revenue to properly maintain them. According to US Census Bureau data, Connecticut’s motor fuel tax revenue, as a percentage of total state revenue for the 11 state New England/Mid-Atlantic region, is 24 percent below the share other states collect.

Nine of those states also use tolls to enhance gas tax receipts.

Mr. Knapp claims that his commute to Hartford would cost an estimated $890/year in tolls, citing an unspecified Connecticut Department of Transportation Study (CT DOT). According to the following CT DOT document (www.cga.ct.gov/2017/rpt/pdf/2017-R-0234.pdf), the estimated cost to travel I84 from New York to Hartford would be $0.50 each direction at peak travel times. Even if traveling to the far side of Hartford, his bill would only jump to $1/day, each direction. I’m not sure how that all adds up to $890/year unless he is making multiple round trips each day.

Further research into the subject shows that 42 states currently use roadway tolls or have authorized the use of tolls but have not yet implemented them, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Mr. Knapp’s position is that we should continue to allow out-of-state drivers to use our roadways for free, despite the fact that we pay to use their roads. That’s just wrong. Clearly, Connecticut is in the dwindling minority on this position.

Peter Sandler

4 Far Horizon Drive, Sandy Hook August 15, 2018