Lawmakers Urge Feds to Nix I-80 Tolling Proposal

Robbins among group saying plan would have a "devastating effect"

State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) and nine of his colleagues recently called on US Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters to reject the proposed tolling of Interstate 80.

In a letter to Secretary Peters, the lawmakers said the proposal "will have a devastating effect on the quality of life for those who rely on Interstate 80."

"I want to make it clear from the outset that I voted against Act 44 when it came before the Senate and I remain strongly opposed to this proposal for a number of reasons. There are numerous financial, administrative and quality of life issues that remain unresolved even as this proposal moves forward," Senator Robbins said. "Our letter to Secretary Peters clearly states our concerns about this plan and the impact it would have on our residents and our regional economy."

In addition to Senator Robbins, the Senators who signed the letter to Secretary Peters include: Lisa Baker (R-20), Lisa Boscola (D-18), Jake Corman (R-34), Jane Earll (R-49), John Eichelberger (R-30), Mike Folmer (R-48), John Gordner (R-27), Jeffrey Piccola (R-15), and Mary Jo White (R-21).

The legislators contend that a 2005 PENNDOT study concluded that the tolling of Interstate 80 should not be pursued. They also argued that the process continues to run counter to guidelines set for the federal highway system.

"The method by which House Bill 1590/Act 44 was passed and is now being implemented undermines the process envisioned by the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program (IRRPP)," they wrote. "That program specifically requires that a proposed tolling plan take into account 'the interests of local, regional, and interstate travelers'."

The lawmakers said the plan would have a dramatic and devastating effect on many Pennsylvania businesses.

"Consider First quality Enterprises, a manufacturing company located in Clinton County. It is the largest employer in Clinton County and estimates that the tolling of Interstate 80 will increase its costs by nearly $2 million annually just to ship outgoing freight. Additionally, a study conducted in Mercer County in western Pennsylvania estimates that tolling will increase costs for its businesses by $8 million annually. Also consider the adverse effect tolling will have on all other sectors of the economy including agriculture. For instance, dairy farmers are bound by prices set by the federal government so passing increased production costs onto consumers is not an option."

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322