The Senate yesterday approved in first reading a bill that would allow many of the nation’s cities to impose tolls for entering city limits. Although drafted by the Santo Domingo’s municipal government, the measure was introduced by Senate President Ram?n Alburquerque (PRD-Monte Plata). The bill now goes to committee for study before returning to the floor for amendments and final voting in a second reading. As now drafted, the bill would allow all Dominican cities with more than 350,000 inhabitants to impose tolls on traffic. Cities with 200,000-350,000 would be allowed to collect tolls only on Saturday and Sunday. The bill earmarks all proceeds from the tolls for road maintenance and repair and the maintenance of road signs and traffic signals. The nation’s Controller-General and the Chamber of Accounts (C?mara de Cuentas) would be charged with monitoring how city administrations collect and use the toll money. The bill is being promoted as a way to allow city administrations to maintain their own streets and roads, without having to wait for the Public Works Ministry to finance the work.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Senate yesterday approved in first reading a bill that would allow many of the nation’s cities to impose tolls for entering city limits. Although drafted by the Santo Domingo’s municipal government, the measure was introduced by Senate President Ram?n Alburquerque (PRD-Monte Plata). The bill now goes to committee for study before returning to the … <\/p>\n