PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. — Business owners in Plaquemines Parish say tolls on the new Belle Chasse Bridge nearly wiped out their livelihoods — and they’re demanding answers about the bridge’s future.

During a state Senate committee meeting on Wednesday, several business owners described months of financial strain after tolls went into effect, driving away customers and leaving restaurants and marinas empty.

Maureen Duffy Lynch, who manages Town View Café, said she was shocked to receive a $54 bill for crossing the bridge twice. Her son in Gretna was billed nearly $500.

“I’m not giving you $54 to cross a quarter-mile bridge,” Lynch said.

Lynch said business is slowly improving after Governor Jeff Landry suspended the tolls earlier this year.

“Business is picking up. It’s not a large pic

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