RP Newswire April 1, 2007 North Richland Hills Committed to Raising Money for Toll Roads In what seems like a desperate attempt to help pay for TXDOT tollroads in North Richland Hills, the city will begin collecting fees for driving on three of their busiest city streets. This is a first for Texas - in fact a first for any city in the United States. "We're not going to get rid of the congestion with 3.3 million more people coming to our region over the next 20 years," said Oscar Trevino, mayor of North Richland Hills in Dallasnews.com. "But we can't just sit on our hands and do nothing." Over the next 25 years the traffic congestion is expected to reach grand proportions in this area. The residents of North Richland Hills are likely to agree especially those who have been stuck in the traffic congestion on the well traveled Loop 820. Loop 820 is a major part of the TXDOT expansion which has been put on hold. A North Richland Hills City spokesperson agrees saying, "This would not only benefit the residents of North Richland Hills, but would benefit businesses as well. If you owned a car wash on Rufe Snow and you knew someone would pay $1.00 to get to your $3.00 car wash - then they must really be pleased with your product." City street tolls will be affordable. The fees are expected to run .25 cents each direction traveled on Rufe Snow Drive, while Davis Boulevard and Boulevard 26 will charge .45 cents for traveling each direction. For those who work on Rufe Snow you can expect to pay up to $1.00 per day for travel. "If it's needed and the city leaders agree, who am I to get upset about it - they have always done what's right" said Mona Felty, a North Richland Hills resident. "Most people can afford a dollar or two a day, after all it's for the good of all of us." Said Lesly North of North Richland Hills. The streets will include Rufe Snow Drive, Boulevard 26, and Davis Boulevard. The tolls will be collected beginning May 1, 2007 through April 1, 2010. This is expected to bring enough money to entice TXDOT to go ahead and put the project back in production. "We are serious about wanting the improvements of toll roads in our area" said a city leader wishing to remain anonymous. Quoted from Dallasnews.com, "Transportation commissioners were receptive to the North Texas delegation's comments on Thursday, saying the Legislature has left them no choice but to seek new ways to pay for roads." Get your quarters out - it's likely to be a bumpy ride. For more information related to this story click here.