N.J. Port Trucking Group Backs Toll, Tax Hikes

A group that represents truckers at the Port of New York/New Jersey is backing a proposal to raise tolls and the gasoline tax in the state, the Associated Press reported.

The Association of Bi-state Motor Carriers has backed a plan put forth by New Jersey State Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D) plan to pay for transportation projects, AP said.

The group, which represents 80% of carriers operating at the Port of New York/New Jersey, said the plan is responsible because it dedicates money raised to transportation improvements, AP reported.

Wisniewski proposes increasing New Jersey Turnpike tolls 25%, Garden State Parkway tolls by 50 cents and Atlantic City Expressway tolls by 75 cents, with more increases in later years, AP said.

Wisniewski, the Assembly’s Transportation Committee chairman, also wants to boost the 14.5 cent per gallon gas tax by 18 cents over three years, AP reported.