Alliance to Stop I-80 Tolling Responds to Turnpike's Resubmission

HARRISBURG - In the wake of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's third attempt to toll Interstate 80, Alliance to Stop I-80 Tolling members today reiterated that this is a flawed regional solution to a statewide problem; tolling I-80 will cripple the entire Commonwealth economy; there are better road and bridge funding options; giving I-80 to the Turnpike Commission turns over more power to a questionable government bureaucracy; and the Turnpike's insistence to toll I-80 is a waste of millions of taxpayer dollars.

Ed Edwards, co-chairman of the Alliance to Stop I-80 Tolling, said, "After the Federal Highway Administration, under President Bush, denied the plan twice for violating several federal requirements, the PTC is now trying its luck with Obama appointed Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood."

"Representing businesses, Chambers of Commerce, local, state and federal elected leaders and individuals throughout the Commonwealth, the Alliance is calling on the Federal Highway Administration to reject this proposal. It is simply unfair to rely on the men and women of rural Pennsylvania to close the operating deficit of Philadelphia's mass transit system," remarked Edwards.

"Tolling I-80 was an ill conceived and job crushing idea from the start. It turns over more power to the most inept government bureaucracy I know, the Turnpike Commission. Just 5 months ago, even Governor Rendell said re-applying for federal approval was "a waste of time". I guess the Governor is calling in political favors now from the Obama Administration in an attempt to bail out the Philadelphia Transit system again," added Alliance member, State Representative Scott Hutchinson.

Alliance member State Senator John Gordner asserted, "The federal law has not changed so the only reason why a new submission would be successful would be the Obama administration taking a new interpretation of it.The Bush administration clearly found the application of Act 44 not meeting the criteria and I firmly believe Act 44 still doesn't meet needed requirements under federal law."

"There are simply better options that will generate more money with less hardship. The bottom line is that once gantries are up on I-80, local businesses and communities will be crippled and a harsh inflationary rise will be felt throughout the entire Commonwealth economy," added Vince Matteo, Co-Chairman of the Alliance to Stop I-80 Tolling.

Alliance member, State Representative Matt Gabler said, "While I am disappointed at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's (PTCs) continued attempts to toll Interstate 80, a plan that by all accounts is a bad idea for our local area as well as the entire state, I am frustrated with the commission's insistence on wasting millions in taxpayer dollars in an effort that has already been turned down twice by the Federal Highway Administration."

"Furthermore, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's first charge should be getting its own house in order. Considering the extent to which the commission is currently under investigation by the FBI, and amidst reports that the Attorney General's Office has convened a grand jury to study certain questionable practices, I am more convinced than ever that we should not trust such a poorly managed, controversial organization with increased responsibilities of any sort. While the PTC's suitability to manage Interstates 70, 76 and 476 is called into question, I am certain that the last thing we should ever do is hand over Interstate 80 to their control," argued Gabler.

"Interstate 80 is an important lifeline in our community. It supports thousands of jobs along the corridor and is one of the main reasons for attracting economic development opportunities to our area of Pennsylvania. Tolling this highway would negatively impact our way of life and our economy. Since this ill-advised concept passed in 2007, I have been adamantly opposed to the tolling, and I will continue my efforts to help fight the federal government from allowing tolling to occur," noted Alliance member, State Representative Merle H. Phillips.

Alliance member, State Representative Mario Scavello commented, "Tolling Interstate 80 is a regional solution to a statewide problem. It will severely disrupt the local economies and burden local roads with increased truck traffic as businesses seek to avoid paying tolls. This proposal will impose unfair costs to businesses, tourists and residents. The application was already struck down twice for a reason and should be permanently taken off the table. In the days ahead, I will continue to stand with the Alliance to ensure a fair and equitable funding solution is founded."

Alliance member, Pennsylvania State Representative Russ Fairchild added, "Tolling I-80 continues to be a battle of rural Pennsylvania citizens, organizations and businesses versus Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and affluent communities along the Turnpike."

"If you really believe Governor Rendell, his friends and appointed Commissioners at the Turnpike Commission understand the culture, dynamics, and results of tolling this rural interstate simply ask them how many jobs, businesses and communities will be negatively impacted by the tolling of I-80."

"We will fight this proposal with a bipartisan approach from local state & federal officials as well as increased engagement from citizens and businesses who see this latest development for what it is, a blatant attempt by the Turnpike Commission, Governor Rendell and his Democrat administration to influence behind closed doors President Obama's new Democrat administration. "