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Mayor wins 95 tolls fight vs. governor

Posted at 6:51 PM, Feb 26, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-27 12:55:30-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - For months Stony Creek Mayor Frank Jacksonhas waged a war against Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's plan to add tolls on Interstate 95. The money would have been used to pay for Virginia road projects.

Last weekend state lawmakers approved a state transportation funding plan that did not include tolls on Interstate 95. The plan does raise taxes in Virginia.

Last year Greensville County Deputy Administrator Brenda Parson told CBS 6 that officials from Greensville, Hanover, Sussex, Stony Creek, Jarratt and Emporia had a joint opposition to the governor's toll plan.

Opposition to the plan were obvious in Stony Creek, wheretownspeople made “No Tolls” signs for display along the interstate.

The governor’s plan would have added a $4 toll for cars and a $12 toll for trucks along I-95 in Sussex County.

“They didn’t think there would be any opposition,” Jackson said in an interview with CBS 6 last year. “We’re going to fight it tooth and nail till the last day.”

In July,  Virginia Congressman Randy Forbes (R -  4th District) sent a letter to Governor McDonnell that urged him to halt his toll plans.

Again, the House and Senate passed a version of the transportation bill that did not include adding tolls, although state residents will see an increase in sales tax.