Associated Press - October 16, 2009 9:24 AM ET

THIBODAUX, La. (AP) - An opinion from the state Attorney General's Office says vehicles owned by public agencies in Louisiana are exempt from paying tolls on a new bridge spanning Bayou Lafourche between Leeville and Grand Isle.

The Oct. 7 opinion pleases officials in Grand Isle and southern Lafourche Parish, but the state transportation department says the opinion misinterprets a state law. Transportation Department spokeswoman Sherry Dupre says her agency believes the law applies only to mass transportation vehicles such as buses. She said the department doesn't plan to change toll collections.

Grand Isle Port Commission President Andy Galliano insists the law is on the side of the public officials. He says he's ready to go to court over the issue if necessary.

Information from: Daily Comet, http://www.dailycomet.com

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