TRENTON, NJ (AP) -- Two key lawmakers on Tuesday said the New Jersey Turnpike Authority should invoke its own power to increase tolls 45 percent to widen toll roads and fix bridges on them.
Those plans have stalled amid opposition to Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine's proposal to create a new agency that would borrow money and significantly increase tolls for decades to pay state debt and fund transportation.
But as Corzine weighs alternatives, the turnpike authority retains power to hold public hearings and increase tolls.
Corzine can veto authority moves, but Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney said there's a growing sense among legislators that the agency should move forward rather than wait for Corzine to unveil an alternative to pay debt and meet statewide transportation needs.
Legislators cannot increase tolls.
Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri has said a 45 percent toll increase is needed to repair toll roads and bridges on them.
``No one wants to raise tolls, but the costs go up, and if I can improve my commute, use less gas, get there safer and quicker, there's a balance,'' said Sweeney, D-Gloucester.
He said the public and legislators don't support using toll money to pay state debt, but increasing tolls to pay for widening the Turnpike and Parkway and fixing bridges on them would be more acceptable.
``If they're going to improve people's commutes, they need to set the tolls so they can maintain the roads and improve the commutes,'' Sweeney said.
Currents plans calls for widening the Turnpike from Exits 6 to 8A and the Parkway from Exits 30 to 80. Toll road bridges also need billions in repairs.
``Maintenance has to be done on bridges,'' Sweeney said.
Sen. Raymond Lesniak, who has pushed for the authority to take action, also argued toll projects could also help boost the economy.
``We need to alleviate congestion, repair the bridges and put people to work,'' said Lesniak, D-Union. ``The sooner the better.''
Sweeney said legislators and the governor can separately debate how to meet other transportation needs and pay down state debt.
Corzine proposed increasing tolls to pay down at least half of state's $32 billion in debt and replenish a transportation trust fund that's set to run out of money in 2011. Projects that could be at risk if money for the transportation fund is not found include a new Hudson River rail tunnel to New York City.
