Turnpike toll increase hearing held in Portland | News

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - The Maine Turnpike Authority is holding three public hearings on its proposal to hike turnpike tolls.

The first was held Tuesday at Auburn City Hall. Additional hearings are Wednesday in Portland and Thursday in Saco.

Turnpike officials say the aim is to generate another $26 million in annual revenue to cover the yearly operating budget, maintenance and long-term debt service.

The authority's preferred option is to add $1 to the toll plaza in York, 75 cents in New Gloucester and West Gardiner, and 50 cents each at the Wells northbound and Gray southbound toll plazas. E-ZPass rates would also go up.

Other options being considered would raise or cut tolls by varying amounts.

If approved, the increases would take effect in November.