An increase in tolls for the Port of Hood River Interstate Bridge were a part of a 2017-18 budget being recommended by the Port’s budget committee this week.  The budget calls for an increase in cash tolls for passenger cars from $1 to $2, and from 93 cents to $1 for electronic tolling.  For large trucks the cash toll would jump to $3 per axle and to $2 for those using electronic tolling.  Port Executive Director Michael McElwee says the increase would help the Port prepare for either a local match for funding bridge replacement or maintaining the current structure over the next 20 years.  For the toll increase to take effect, the Port Commission would have to first pass the proposed budget, and then approve the increase in a separate action.  The Port will hold a budget hearing on May 21.  The budget committee approved a toll increase in last year’s fiscal plan, but the Port Commission elected not to enact it.