Roanoke Rapids City Manager Paul Sabiston told council tonight it appears tolling Interstate 95 might be the state’s best way to fund improvements.

Sabiston attended a meeting with other Halifax County officials and those from seven other North Carolina counties along the interstate to discuss their feelings on the issue.

“It looks like the only feasible option that’s going to be high on their list will come with tolling I-95,” he said at a work session, referring to the state. “It’s going to be a huge impact for ... bordering counties.”

Sabiston said the group wants to collect accurate information on the matter. “Let’s not wait until the bus is leaving the station.”

Because North Carolina laws must be changed to allow tolling, Sabiston a big hurdle for those pushing the issue could be if local legislators don’t support it. “It’s even bigger if the eight don’t support it.”

Sabiston said the state Department of Transportation has already sent a letter to Virginia saying it supports their tolling efforts. “As complicated as the process will be, it could happen as early as 2012.”

The city manager reminded council of the August 16 Interstate 95 Corridor workshop which will be held at Halifax Community College for citizens in Halifax and Northampton counties. That meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In other matters tonight council:

• Was told by Sabiston the city received a request for qualifications from MS Consultants on the proposed solid waste transfer station. A vote on the matter could be taken at next Tuesday’s council meeting.

• Was told by Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon the city received a $5,000 Adopt-A-Trails grant to build a walking trail at Rochelle Park. The walking trail would be located near the tennis courts and not the riparian buffer at the park.