Eagle Pass bridge trustees back compromise on passenger tolls, urge council review

EAGLE PASS, Texas — The Eagle Pass Bridge Board of Trustees on Oct. 27 debated proposals to change passenger tolls and expressed support for recommending a compromise rate to the mayor and city council.

City staff told trustees that the bridge system now brings in roughly $19 million a year, passes about $17 million to city operations and retains approximately $2 million for bridge operations. Staff said the city invested about $4 million to install a new toll system and estimates $700,000 to $1 million in annual maintenance for the state-of-the-art equipment.

"We began the implementation of a new toll system that cost us about $4,000,000 to invest in infrastructure or equipment that is reliable and dependable," staff presenter Mr. Valderas said. He described service disruptions during…