Deputies Federico Franco and Pedro Gómez, both from the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) representing the Central department, have introduced a bill to permanently establish a toll exemption for residents of the Ypacaraí district. The initiative aims to end the current dependence on the benefit, which needs to be included annually in the General Budget of the Nation, a situation that creates uncertainty for the local community.
The bill's justification states that the location of the toll plaza physically divides the municipality, forcing thousands of inhabitants to pay a fee to move within their own district. These movements include access to the urban center, public institutions, schools, health services, commerce, and workplaces. The lawmakers argue this is an economic burden that residents of other localities in the country do not face.
The economic impact of the toll is highlighted as a negative factor for Ypacaraí's commercial and productive activity. Agricultural producers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and small industries would see their costs increase when needing to cross the plaza to distribute products or obtain supplies, especially in the Pedrozo and Jhuguá Jhú communities. The deputies warn that the fee discourages new investment and job creation in the region.
The bill establishes that the benefit will be for vehicle owners with a real and permanent domicile in Ypacaraí. They must register in a registry administered by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), in coordination with the Municipality of Ypacaraí. The exemption will cover private, work-related, or mixed-use vehicles belonging to individuals residing in the district, excluding companies whose effective operational base is not in the locality. The proposal also provides for sanctions for those who obtain the benefit through false information.
For its legislative process, the bill was sent for analysis to six committees of the Chamber of Deputies: Economic and Financial Affairs; Legislation and Codification; Public Works, Services and Communications; Municipal and Departmental Affairs; Budget; and Accounts and Budget Execution Control. After the issuance of opinions, the proposal will proceed to a plenary vote.