|
11/27/07 At Kanjorski's Request, PA Turnpike Commission Holds Meeting on Potential Tolling of I-80 |
| Print |
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 27, 2007
Contact: Abigail McDonough
202-225-6511
AT KANJORSKI'S REQUEST, PA TURNPIKE COMMISSION HOLDS MEETING ON POTENTIAL TOLLING OF I-80
BLOOMSBURG - Today, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) held a public meeting in Bloomsburg at the request of Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) to provide information and receive feedback about the potential of building tolls on I-80.
"I've been hearing from many of my constituents about the issue of tolling on I-80," stated Congressman Kanjorski. "I know this is an issue of concern to many of them, and I hope that this meeting offered an opportunity for them to speak directly with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, receive answers to their questions, and discuss alternative solutions."
Act 44, which was signed in July by Governor Rendell, authorizes a 50-year partnership between the PTC and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) which will provide over $83 billion dollars for transportation infrastructure, or an average of $1.67 billion per year. It takes from several funding options including increased tolls on the existing Turnpike, the sale of the Turnpike's revenue bonds, and tolls on I-80 which are still awaiting federal approval.
According to the PTC, toll rates on I-80 in 2010 are expected to be 8 cents per mile for cars and 30 cents per mile for the average truck. This would result in a cost of about $25 for a car to cross the state, and $100 for the average truck.
"I appreciate the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's efforts to discuss the potential project with local communities throughout Pennsylvania, including today in Bloomsburg," stated Congressman Kanjorski. "Such meetings help foster and open discussion about the possibility of placing tolls on I-80 and I hope that they can also help us find alternative solutions for funding."
In order for the tolling to take place, federal authority is still necessary. PennDOT and the PTC have jointly submitted a Phase 1 application to the Federal Highway Administration requesting approval to toll I-80 as part of the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program established in TEA-21.
|
Site Outline