The legislature's transportation committee approved a controversial bill Friday that would allow tolls on new highways and on highways that would be extended in the future.
The bill passed, 23 to 12, after lawmakers on both sides of the issue debated the sensitive topic of tolls, which routinely generates impassioned views.
Rep. Ed Jutila, a Niantic Democrat, said he is concerned about the long-delayed extension of Route 11 in southeastern Connecticut. Numerous public officials, including former Rep. Rob Simmons, have pushed for the completion of that highway without success.
"I am primarily motivated in completing that project,'' Jutila told committee members.
But Rep. Tony Guerrera, the well-known committee co-chairman, wanted it known that the bill would not mean there would be tolls on highways like Interstate 95 and Interstate 84.
"This is not my toll bill,'' Guerrera said. "I just want to be clear on that.''