Tolling I-80 - Thompson's Reaction

Washington, D.C. - The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Rendell Administration submitted a third application to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for tolling authority of Interstate 80. Both previous applications were rejected in a process that has literally taken years to accomplish. U.S. Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson opposes the change of I-80 to a toll road, and feels that tolls on existing interstates are a double tax.

"Act 44 has been a dice roll from the beginning. The Governor knew this, the Legislature knew this, and the Turnpike Commission knew this. All were complacent, as they sat back and allowed the Turnpike to borrow and spend almost $2 billion since July 2007, without any guarantee of repayment.

"After an initial review of the financial analysis, it expressly states that 1-80 traffic patterns have uncertainty to them once tolls are placed on the Interstate. Any diversion, which is not addressed in this application, will have an effect on revenues and will jeopardize future highway and bridge funding," said Thompson.

Act 44 actually doubles the scope and size of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Thompson notes "This is the same Turnpike Commission that has been the backdrop for several scandals and a slew of indictments. Act 44 is a cover-up of years of mismanagement of taxpayer funds and the perpetuation of an antiquated and corrupt Turnpike Commission.

"This is not fair to the taxpayers in Pennsylvania - not just along the I-80 corridor, but in the Commonwealth as a whole," said Thompson. "This is about good government, not politics as usual in Harrisburg, the taxpayers in Pennsylvania deserve better. I have been in close contact with the Federal Highway Administration and plan to meet with them to voice my opposition. I look forward to working with my colleagues here in the House, who recognize the multiple flaws in this plan and remain committed to keeping I-80 toll free."

Pennsylvania has the highest state imposed diesel fuel tax nationally at 38 cents per gallon and the second highest state imposed gasoline tax at 31 cents per gallon. For every $1.00 in fuels taxes sent to Washington, Pennsylvania receives $1.15 back.

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