Tri-City Sun

State Representative Timmy Beson has successfully advocated for an amendment to House Bill 5733, aimed at protecting Bay City from new tolling reforms. The bill, which mandates the Secretary of State to create a tolling enforcement program, was initially set to affect all bridges but will now exclude the Liberty and Independence Bridges following Beson's efforts.

Beson expressed concerns that the initial proposal could complicate issues already faced by Bay City since the introduction of tolling on the Liberty Bridge in June last year. He supported narrowing the bill's focus to only include bridges over international waters. "Since the tolling started, there has been considerable confusion for many people across our area, including small businesses," said Beson. He highlighted problems faced by rental companies with unpaid tolls and potential refusals of vehicle registrations due to outstanding fees.

Families and school officials have also raised concerns about how tolling affects them without a local process or suitable enforcement mechanism. Beson stated, "This was a commonsense change we needed that understood the complex nature of the situation in Bay City."

In May, while addressing the House Transportation Committee, Beson testified against including Bay City's bridges in the new program. Previously, he proposed an amendment to offer state reimbursements for tolls through school districts within Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District; however, it was not adopted.

Beson assured continued support for his community: “I will continue to fight for our community in the House." The amended HB 5733 now moves to the Senate for further review.