NITL reported that in conversations with Lowenthal he said he is solicitingamendments from fellow legislators and the governor. He has added a provision that specific projects to be financed by the fees would be added to the proposal.

Lowenthal did not offer a time frame for when he would advance the bill. Industry sources told NITL the potential for legal action contesting port fees and an approved ban on owner-operators could be determining factors in that timing.

In other news, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Los Angeles is eligible for more than $213 million in Congestion Reduction grants. The state could use the grants to convert some high-occupancy-vehicle lanes (HOV) in to toll lanes. Electronic tolling technology could be used to charge drivers for access to the less-congested HOV lanes. Fees could be adjusted based on traffic levels.

Related stories:

LA/Long Beach Proceeding With Tax (12/20/2007)
http://logisticstoday.com/displayStory.asp?S=1&sNO=9142

California Container Tax Defeated (9/7/2007)
http://logisticstoday.com/displayStory.asp?S=1&sNO=8951

$60 Container Tax Added At California Ports (9/12/2006)
http://logisticstoday.com/displayStory.asp?S=1&sNO=8151

California Bill Would Tax Containers (9/6/2006)
http://logisticstoday.com/displayStory.asp?S=1&sNO=8143

Truckers Join to Oppose LA/Long Beach Air Plan (8/10/2007)
http://logisticstoday.com/displayStory.asp?S=1&sNO=8892