GORHAM — Gov. Paul LePage believes a merger between the Maine Turnpike Authority and the Maine Department of Transportation would benefit residents by leading to the elimination of most tolls.

The Portland Press Herald reports LePage made the remarks before approximately 150 people at a town hall meeting held in Gorham on Wednesday.

The Republican admitted that it could take as long as a decade for the prospective merger to come to fruition. Under his plan, the state would operate just one toll booth – in Kittery.

LePage said for the plan to work he would have to suspend the turnpike authority’s ability to borrow and have the transportation department maintain the 108 miles of turnpike highway.

Not many other details were offered by the governor.

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