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Republicans and Democrats unite in opposition to tolls

Posted at 7:22 PM, Jan 17, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-18 03:36:47-05

RICHMOND, VA (WTVR) -- Democrats and Republicans gathered Thursday to support or refute a piece of legislation, a rare sight of unity in this Virginia General Assembly Session.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle stood shoulder-to-shoulder with each other to speak out against tolls on Interstate 95.

"We are united in opposition to tolling on I-95," State Delegate Chris Peace (R-Hanover) said. 

House Bill 2196, introduced by Peace, requires approval by the General Assembly prior to tolling any Interstate Highway System component in operation prior to July 1, 2013, except for HOV lanes and HOT lanes.

"Any number of issues related to transportation comes before the General Assembly except the current proposal the Governor has put forward," Peace said.

Several Democrats have introduced similar bills- including State Delegate Rosyln Tyler (R-Sussex). 

"A majority of people in southside Virginia travel 95 just for survival," Tyler said.

Presently the Governor has the authority under state law to ask the federal government for permission to toll on I-95.

No date has been set for when the tolls would be build however the tolls would charge cars four dollars and trucks twelve dollars.