New proposal to build tolls on local highways

Drivers may soon have to pay more to get to their destinations. According to the State's Transportation Agency a huge portion of highways are in deteriorating condition and there's no steady revenue to pay for the repairs. Now there's a proposal to charge everyone to fix those repairs.

"Smooth roads cost money and pavement is expensive we have got 50 thousand miles in California to pave over," said Gareth Lacy.

Spokesperson Gareth Lacy told Action News the agency is recommending commuters are tolled to drive certain sections or another option is to charge people a fee for the number of miles they travel.

The dollars collected will fund a $59 billion gap needed for road repairs, but some aren't happy about the potential hike.

At a special high speed rail meeting in Chowchilla growers described how another transportation measure will wind up costing them more cash.

"I am sure it'll affect our bottom line," said Gary Nieuwkoop.

One farmer showed us how the proposed bullet train route may cut through his land.

Case Vlot said, "We have bigger issues here in California we need to work on first and I don't think high speed rail is something we need to concentrate on right now."

But the Rail Authority says building highways and rails aren't cheap and in the long run building them now will help future generations.

"Our project is going to be beneficial to the state and I was born here in the Central Valley and I think it's going to be nice to be connected to San Francisco and Los Angeles," said Diana Gomez.