States could impose tolls on interstate highways under Obama administration measure, N.Y. Times reports

States could decide whether to impose tolls on interstate highway, such as Interstate 10, under a measure by the Obama administration to raise money for the nation's infrastructure. (The Times-Picayune archive)

The Obama administration is proposing legislation that would remove the prohibition on tolls for the nation's interstate system, the New York Times is reporting. Under the measure, states could raise as much as $87 billion to address infrastructure needs, including roads, bridges and tunnels, according to the newspaper.

Federal officials say the change is needed to supplement the Highway Trust Fund, supported by an 18.4-cent gasoline tax, that will go bankrupt this summer.

The proposal is backed the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, which says states would be given flexibility to use the money to based upon their priorities. But the Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates opposed the measure, saying it would have an adverse impact on businesses that depend on traffic, The Times reported.

In Louisiana, transportation officials have estimated a backlog of $12 billion in road construction and bridge improvements.