Leander residents oppose CTRMA's toll plan for Ronald Reagan road

The Leander City Council held a regular meeting on April 3, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the proposal to convert Ronald Reagan Boulevard into a toll road. The meeting featured public comments that highlighted concerns from residents regarding the financial implications of this potential change.

The first speaker, Charlie Collier, a resident of Leander, expressed strong opposition to the toll road proposal. He emphasized that Ronald Reagan Boulevard serves as a vital route for the community, facilitating daily commutes for work, school, and medical appointments. Collier articulated that transforming this road into a toll route would impose an additional financial burden on residents already facing rising living costs. He shared his personal experience of incurring substantial toll expenses while commuting to Cedar Park, illustrating the potential economic strain on families.

Collier also raised concerns about the broader implications of tolling existing roads, questioning the fairness of such measures and urging the council to consider the community's needs. He referenced a historical context involving a federal bond related to the road, noting that promises made regarding taxpayer protections had not been fulfilled, as the road was sold to a private company.

The council members listened attentively to Collier's testimony, which underscored the community's apprehensions about the tolling proposal. The discussions during the meeting reflected a growing concern among residents about the impact of toll roads on their daily lives and the overall economic health of the area.

As the meeting progressed, the council continued to deliberate on the implications of the toll road proposal, with further public input expected in future sessions. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining the future of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and its role in the Leander community.