Sure, U.S. taxpayers may have already paid to have these roads built years ago doesn't make them "already paid for" at all. An asset must be maintained, rehabilitated, and (often) upgraded (or replaced) over time. The fact that you've already paid for your car doesn't mean you'll never have to change the oil, replace the brake pads, or even replace the car in its entirety.
2006 was a milestone year in the history of U.S. transportation, for it marked the 50th anniversary of the implementation of the Interstate Highway System. Much of that system has passed or is approaching the end of its useful life, and the cost of rehabilitating/replacing it is enormous. These public-private ventures may very well be the most cost-effective mechanism for building and maintaining highways over the long term.
As is usually the case, Lou Dobbs has no idea what he's talking about. If it weren't for the fact that television by definition is aimed at an audience of people with two-digit IQs, he'd barely be employable.
I wonder where you think that gasoline tax you pay for road upkeep goes? Do you think it goes to a specific fund for roads or maybe to the general fund for use on other pork projects? Do you think your gas tax will be decreased when every 50 mile stretch of interstate has a $2.00 toll?
Sometimes I wonder where folks get the idea that some new tax scheme (fees) represents anything other than what it is, just another way to take money out of the pockets of the suckers (you).
During the early planning of the IS system, Eisenhower supported tolling. Congress won out and they became free roads.
In retrospect, the free IS system was a mistake.
It was never possible(tax wise) to fund the maintenance, etc. Consequently, the system has deteriorated to the point that just patching is very expensive. To put it back into top shape, or adequate shape, is going to be immensely expensive.
Additionally, these free roads enabled/promoted urban development that put even more demand on them.