Single answer doesn’t finish toll discussion

A Tuesday Gazette editorial quoted Stuart Anderson, director of the Iowa Department of Transportation's Planning, Programming and Modal Division: “Frankly, we don't feel that tolling is feasible for Iowa anywhere” when asked about the proposal (to charge a toll for interstate highway use). “To implement tolling now would have a really high cost,” Anderson concluded. Not likely worth it.

To which The Gazette responded, “We trust his judgment” and then stated, “the necessity to explore new funding ideas.” Really? So The Gazette just rolled over and accepted Anderson's declaration that implementing toll roads in Iowa is not likely worth it? End of discussion? Have there been any studies done to reach this conclusion? Anderson should be asked to explain why.

Other states have successfully operated toll roads for years. Has anyone contacted officials in those other states to determine their history and experience of operating toll roads?

Meanwhile the governor, the Iowa Legislature and the state bureaucrats continue to dither and wring their hands while “our infrastructure crumbles before our eyes” (Gazette editorial).

Oh, and by the way, has the state completed the study of passenger rail service in Iowa which, most likely, would alleviate much of the wear and tear on Iowa's highways?

Stan Younce

Cedar Rapids