The State Transportation Commission recently released its proposed toll rates for the SR 520 Bridge and is holding public meetings to gather input on the proposal. The state intends to begin collecting tolls on the bridge in spring 2011 to help pay for a new SR 520 floating bridge and make improvements from Medina to Bellevue.

The commission has scheduled three public meetings for people to learn more about the toll rate proposal and provide comments. The first two meetings will be to take input only.

· Public Input Meeting #1: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at the Sound Transit Board Room, Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle.

· Public Input Meeting #2: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, at Bellevue City Hall Council Chambers, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue.

· Final Hearing: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at the Sound Transit Board Room, Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle. The commission will take public comment and is expected to adopt the final toll rates at this meeting.

In addition to the public meetings, comments can be sent anytime up until the final hearing in January by e-mailing the commission at: transc@wstc.wa.gov.