Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Montross) said local and national leaders are still working with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Department of Defense to consider taking over a portion of the maintenance fees on the opening and closing mechanisms of the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge.

The hope, he said, is if the federal government takes on some of the financial burden of these costs, tolls will be reduced for local residents.

Wittman discussed this and other issues facing residents when he addressed the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors Tuesday night in the colonial courthouse.

“I think it was a good step to get the Navy and DOD to identify the number of openings that occur for the Navy,” Wittman said. “We’re trying to find creative ways for them to be partners.”

According to Wittman, if the DOD includes the Coleman in its strategic highways network, the bridge will then be designated as a priority to the nation. That would in turn provide dollars to fund a portio...