I-90 Toll Foes Organize Online

Opponents of tolling on Interstate 90 are organizing online, with a website that debuted late last month: http://notolloni90.org/

Signs with the website address were out in force at a recent Washington State Department of Transportation meeting about the possibility of tolling on I-90. Toll opponents came to the Mercer Island meeting to express how tolling would negatively affect their lives.

The site, based on Mercer Island and registered as a "grassroots lobbying organization", makes the argument about why opponents believe that tolling is wrong, including:

Tolling I-90 amounts to a "penalty tax" for living on Mercer Island, going to school there, working there, and doing business there. Mercer Island is a neighborhood community from which almost all trips necessary to maintain its residents’ quality of life - employment, health care, shopping, after-school activities, charity, entertainment - are to and from the mainland. Anyone coming to visit, shop, or work, whether friend, relative, or persons delivering goods or services would be affected. It is unique in that it is entirely dependent upon the I-90 bridges for land access to and from home. 

Organizers have included contact information from legislators and sample letters that opponents can send.

The group also has a Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/NoTollOnI90

Both bridges across Lake Washington could be tolled by 2015, as the state explores putting a toll on the I-90 bridge. 

, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation officials. 

Since tolling began on SR 520, congestion also has increased on Interstate 5, Interstate 90 and State Route 522 as drivers avoid tolls on SR 520, according to state officials.

If the state legislature approves the change, tolls on Interstate 90 could start as soon as 2015, according to Washington State Department of Transportation officials.

The state also is accepting public comment online at:www.wsdot.wa.gov/tolling/i90/onlinescoping. Those interested may also submit comments by e-mail at:I90EAcomments@wsdot.wa.gov, or traditional mail to: Angela Angove, 999 Third Ave., Suite 2200, Seattle, WA 98104. Mailed comments must be postmarked by Feb. 22, 2013.