Gov. George Pataki of New York is considering a proposal that would add tolls to existing interstate highways in the state, Ottaway News Service reported recently.

New toll roads could include interstates 84 and 88, Route 17 and the Northway, the news service said.

The state currently has only two toll roads. Proponents say the tolls could raise much-needed highway maintenance money, while opponents point to current fuel taxes, saying motorists are already paying for those repairs to be made.

New York is not the only state considering tolls.

In Missouri, four bills now before the state’s legislators would allow tolls in the state, which has up till now banned the practice.

In addition, the Texas Department of Transportation, under a proposed rule issued Jan. 29, will be able to create toll lanes on any portion of the state highway system if they reduce traffic congestion, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The policy is likely to be applied only to new construction.

Also included in the proposed rules is a provision to allow "exclusive lanes" on multilane highways. These lanes, which could be tolled, could be restricted to certain vehicle classes such as lanes only for trucks.

And last year, Arkansas passed a bill, SB218, that allows that state to more easily build toll roads. The bill, now Arkansas Act 296, is designed to clarify the powers of the state highway commission to construct turnpikes and toll roads, allowing the board to act as the state's toll authority and to issue revenue bonds to finance those roads.