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November 1, 2006 9:00 AM, EST

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merican Trucking Associations voiced its opposition to the privatization or leasing of existing toll facilities to fund highway infrastructure projects at its 2006 Management Conference & Exhibition trade show in Dallas.

"ATA strongly opposes the lease or sale of existing toll roads, bridges or tunnels to private parties," said Bill Graves, the association’s chief executive officer.

In a statement on Tuesday, ATA said it supports a toll-free national highway system where funds to finance highway improvement primarily come from highway user fees such as the fuel tax.

Graves added that revenue generated through the lease or sale of existing toll infrastructure comes "at great expense to the trucking industry and taxpayers and with potential negative impacts on highway safety, security and the motoring public."