PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The chairman of the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority warned Tuesday that the quasi public agency might be forced to raise tolls on other state bridges if lawmakers move ahead with a plan to delay the July start of tolls on the new Sakonnet River Bridge.
David Darlington said the budget proposal, made in a surprise announcement during Tuesday's House budget debate and vote, would leave the quasi public agency with a $12 million shortfall.
"I have not seen the bill and RITBA was not consulted on any of this," he said. "The tolls are days away from being ready. The booths have been installed."
Darlington said the authority probably will have to consider increasing tolls on other bridges to make up the budget deficit, if the new House provision does not address that issue in other ways.
He also suggested the agency's approximately $68 million in outstanding debt is also at risk.