Top 10 of 2017
January 3, 2018A new year brings new challenges
January 3, 2018
Drivers heading to Grand Isle or Port Fourchon might want to put a little extra cash in their pocket in the New Year.
January 1, 2018 marked the beginning of an increased toll charge for the Tomey Doucet Leeville toll bridge. The 25 percent increased charge is mandated by the Louisiana Transportation Authority’s bond agreement with its bondholders to pay for the debt incurred in building the bridge, and this is in accordance with the plan to increase tolls every five years.
The costs are as follows: 2-axle $3.75, 2-axle “Dually” $5.50, 3-axle $5.50, 3-axle Trucks, buses, and “Dually” with 1 axle trailer $7.50, 4-axle $7.50, 4-axle “Dually” with 2-axle trailer $11.25, 5-axle “Dually” with 3-axle trailer $15.00, and 6-axle “Dually” with 4-axle trailer $18.00.
“Tolling stands out as the purest form of a user fee to help cover the cost of infrastructure,” said Dr. Shawn Wilson, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
Dr. Wilson said that the total revenue gathered from the tolls, about 12-15 million a year, is all put towards the debt. Because of this, the operation and maintenance fees are paid by the TTF or Transportation Trust Fund, which is raised by the state through gas taxes.
This has concerned some community members who felt this burden would impact their children the hardest, “It’s not me, it’s my son that travels that every day,” said Roy Kiffe of Galliano.
Julie Lasseigne, of Galliano, shared this sentiment, “my son and his girlfriend like to go for a ride down there, but if the tolls keep going up… not sure.”
The bridge opened its first segment, the Tomey Doucet Leeville toll bridge, on July 8, 2009. Progress continued as the Leeville to Fourchon segment opened in 2011. Further plans are in the works for the bridge. Intentions are to begin phase 2 and connect the bridge directly to Golden Meadow, which estimates to cost around $360 million.
While the substantial cost of this continuation may seem daunting, just before Christmas a letting was held, and a contract was awarded to a $17 million bid to straighten out and improve the bridge. Currently, there exists a very sharp turn in the bridge. Dr. Wilson said that this not only increases the safety and efficiency of this section of the bridge, but also is a necessary step towards the larger goal.
“It’s a monstrosity – a waste of our tax dollars. It starts from a flood place, and ends in a flood place.” said Harris Cheramie of Galliano. “So what good does that do?” Cheramie expressed concerns over the lifespan of the bridge because of the water elevation, citing the dotted landscape that the bridge crosses over being swallowed up by the water.
The road that leads to Leesville and Grand Isle is easily flooded, Dr. Wilson explained. “The bridge will allow access because it’s elevated,” he said, “We are essentially bridging waters (roads at risk for flooding) as we would a river. Imagine the impact of uncertainty.”
“Grand Isle doesn’t pay. The only one that pays, is over here (referring to the Leeville side of the bridge) going north,” said Donald Vizier, who was upset about people abusing the exemption rules.
When this exemption was created, there were many fewer with residencies in Grand Isle than there are today, said Dr. Wilson.
“I’m a disabled vet. It doesn’t cost me anything,” said Larry Williams, a Vietnam Army Veteran, who lives in Larose Larose, “So at least they are doing that.”
It appeared that the community felt this exemption was acceptable. Cheramie was one who agreed with this exemption also adding, “they don’t get enough.”
For information or further questions regarding the bridge, visit www.geauxpass.com, e-mail customerservice@geauxpass.com or call (866) 662-8987.
