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Jan 25, 2008 8:43 am US/Mountain
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Lawmaker Considers Fee For Skiers Taking I-70
DENVER (AP) ―
Skiers who use Interstate 70 on weekends could be charged up to $12 for using the highway or sent $25 checks for staying off under legislation being considered by a state senator.
Sen. Chris Romer, D-Denver, said his plan could reduce traffic by 10 percent or more.
"You're just reallocating money from those who are time-sensitive to those who are price-sensitive, and that's a perfect market-based solution," Romer said.
Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genessee, said the state needs to find a way to reduce traffic jams on weekends, but he's against penalizing people for driving on a road they already own.
"Anyone who's been stuck in ski traffic on a Saturday morning understands there's a problem, but we should avoid big government solutions or something that looks more like a fee. I like the idea of an incentive. It's a question of how to make it work," Witwer said.
Romer said skiers could be charged $5 to $12 per trip for driving up the mountain between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m He said the price would adjust with traffic levels.
Romer said skiers who choose to go early or wait until after the rush could get a $25 check in the mail or a coupon to spend that much at a restaurant while they wait out the afternoon rush.
He said skiers could sign up to miss the rush and then would get the rebate if they comply.
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)