OLYMPIA — Toll customers and other interested persons will have a number of opportunities to comment on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s toll rate proposal for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Comments are being accepted until the final hearing on May 20.
The commission is proposing a 50 cent increase in 2015 and an additional 50 cent increase in 2016. The new rates would take effect on July 1 each year. The rate increase reflects the recommendations provided by the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee.
The proposed toll rates effective July 1, 2015, are:
• $5 for Good To Go!
• $6 cash
• $7 Pay By Mail
There will be three meetings for the public to comment on the rate proposal. The first meeting is an “Online Virtual Public Input Meeting” which is set from 6-8 p.m. April 15. A presentation will be made on the rate proposal and project, and then commissioners will answer questions and take comments through a moderated online chat format. Details are provided on the WSTC website on how to participate in this meeting.
The second meeting is a “Public Input Meeting” set 6-8 p.m. April 22, at the Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview St. Public comment will be taken on the rate proposal, but no action by the commission is planned.
The final meeting is a final hearing from 6-8 p.m. May 20 at the Gig Harbor Civic Center. Public comment will be taken and the commission is expected to make a final decision on a rate increase.
In addition to the public meetings, comments can be submitted until May 20 to the commission in a variety of ways:
• Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov. Please indicate “TNB Rates” in the subject line.
• Website: http://wstc.wa.gov/ContactUs/feedback.htm.