Oil and gas traffic would pay James Dalton Highway tolls

The state highway department would collect tolls from vehicles carrying people or goods for oil and gas developers, explorers, and producers. The toll road would cover mileposts 413 through 415 of the James Dalton Highway near Deadhorse, Alaska. Vehicles carrying people or goods for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company would be exempt. Vehicles not carrying people or goods for oil or gas developers, explorers, or producers would also be exempt. The department would set rates each year so total toll collections roughly match actual highway maintenance and repair costs caused by these businesses’ highway use. If enacted, the toll provisions would take effect July 1, 2028.

Oil and gas developers, explorers, and producers would have to repay vehicle operators who request reimbursement for tolls paid while carrying people or goods for them. This would cover operators who pay the toll while transporting people or goods for those businesses. An operator could sue in superior court if the business fails to reimburse the toll as required. An operator who wins would be entitled to full reasonable lawyer fees and court costs. If enacted, these rules would take effect July 1, 2028. Repayment would be due within 30 days after the operator submits a request.

The state highway department would track toll revenue separately. The separate accounting would cover money collected from the James Dalton Highway toll. Lawmakers could set aside the toll revenue for the department to maintain and repair the highway, but this bill would not require that spending. If enacted, these revenue rules would take effect July 1, 2028.