Roanoke Rapids City Council tonight unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the tolling of Interstate 95.

“The city of Roanoke Rapids recognizes that if the I-95 corridor is tolled that the city and Halifax County area in general will suffer severe economic hardships and lose a level, competitive playing field for businesses located and considering location in these areas,” the resolution says.

The resolution continues, “As the city council for the city of Roanoke Rapids deems it to be in the public’s best interest and to protect the health safety and welfare of the general public to oppose a growing interest in funding improvements and expansions to I-95 by the use of tolling facilities in Halifax County and throughout the state along the I-95 corridor ... The city ... strongly opposes the tolling of I-95 in Halifax County or at any location along the I-95 corridor in North Carolina.”

The resolution urges the state and federal government to use traditional methods for funding improvements and urges all state and federal delegations as well as all elected officials, “To oppose any action that will further the tolling of I-95 in Halifax County or at any location along the I-95 corridor.”

City Manager Paul Sabiston said officials need to organize early and local officials from from economic development, tourism and the chamber are opposed to the matter. “The idea is to be out front and early in the process.”

He encouraged council to send the resolution to all state and federal elected officials as well as all transportation officials involved. “We need to try to get the attention of elected officials and show them there is some concern.”

Council member Suetta Scarbrough made the motion to adopt the resolution and Councilman Ed Liverman cast the second.

“I would encourage all individuals to write a note to their state and federal legislators,” Mayor Emery Doughtie said. “They do have an election coming soon and we do oppose that. This could be very catastrophic to our future economic growth.”