DOT: State has toll-credit balance now but could face shortfall in early 2030s, commissioner retiring

Representative Jack asked whether the state is unable to spend federal transportation funds because it lacks toll credits for matching, how the toll-credit balance stands and whether the state is still earning toll credits.

David Rodrigue, assistant commissioner for the Department of Transportation, replied that the department currently maintains a toll-credit balance sufficient to support its federal program. He said whether the state ‘earns’ toll credits depends on the amount of Turnpike capital projects in a given year and that projections put a potential depletion of credits into the early 2030s; he did not have exact backup figures available at the meeting.

Members then discussed distribution of a press article and DOT announced a reception honoring Commissioner Cass’s retirement: the reception is scheduled at DOT Headquarters tomorrow, attendees to begin arriving at 1:30 p.m. with remarks at 2:00 p.m.; DOT staff invited members to attend.

No formal action was recorded on toll credits during the session; Rodrigue advised the committee on current balances and future risk but did not present a specific mitigation plan during the recorded discussion.