A poll released today brought more bad news for proponents of ALDOT’s plan for a toll bridge across the Mobile River and Mobile Bay. The survey by independent research group WT&S Consulting showed 77% of Mobile and Baldwin County residents oppose the toll. The survey was paid for by former congressional candidate Dean Young.
Approximately 1,495 registered voters in Mobile and Baldwin County were surveyed for the poll. Of that total, a stunning 1,149 voted against the toll, with 346 voting in favor of it.
The results were not surprising given the widespread public opposition to the toll plan. A Facebook group led by State Auditor Jim Zeigler in opposition to the poll has attracted over 48,000 followers in a few short months. The toll plan also comes on the heels of the unpopular rise in the state’s gas tax.
Mr. Young announced last week that he was spearheading an effort to pass a constitutional amendment that would ban tolls on interstates and bridges. Toll opponents hope that even the threat of a toll ban will scare away companies hoping to build and maintain the bridge.