Tolls examined for Miami port tunnel

Tolls examined for Miami port tunnel Miami-Dade County is considering road tolls going into the Port of Miami as an option to close a possible funding gap for the proposed port tunnel.
   The county commissioners Tuesday reviewed the toll option as they zeroed in on a final financing package for the $1.2 billion project. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has committed $600 million for the project, but that money will only be held for the tunnel until the end of 2006. The state needs a commitment for the remaining $600 million from local sources before it proceeds with awarding contracts for the project.
   The county has identified a combination of local funding sources that would provide about $490 million. Originally, the port had expected to come up with $100 million in user fees in the form of a head tax for cruise passengers and a per-container charge for cargo.
   County Manager George Burgess reported to the commissioners that port users are balking at new fees for the port tunnel, possibly leading to the need for tolls on both the port tunnel and the existing Port Boulevard bridge leading into the port. There is no agreement on exact toll costs, but Burgess reported one possibility is $1 for light cars and trucks, $4 for large trucks, and $8 for buses.
   The commissioners said Tuesday they would continue to look at final funding options and will vote on Tuesday, October 10 on a resolution that would authorize continued negotiations leading to the port tunnel project.