Penn Pike chief says feds will accept I-80 tolling but not soon

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission CEO Joe Brimmeier and Vice Chairman Timothy Carson today told a state house appropriations committee hearing in Harrisburg that they are "very optimistic" and "we feel strongly" that the Federal Government will approve Turnpike plans to toll I-80.

"I don’t think you need to be worried. We are all concerned that our proposal has the potential to be rejected. We believe we will meet all the (federal) requirements," said Brimmeier.

Slow learners at FHWA

But Brimmeier said he does not expect federal approval to come quickly: "This is going to be a lengthy process."

The Turnpike chief said the application is "a learning process for the Federal Highway Administration."

Act 44 gives the Turnpike three years to get FHWA approval, Carson said in an answer.

Carson, Vice chairman is emerging as the leading spokesman for the Turnpike Commission.

Chairman Mitchell Rubin is rarely seen or heard from. 

see hearing as wmv:

http://media1.pahousegop.com/video/asx_generator.asp?videoname=554177714.wmv 

Turnpike's senator has heart attack

State Senator Vincent Fumo the leading patron of the Turnpike Commission in the state legislature and the central figure in a federal corruption case due to go to trial on 139 counts of wrongdoing later this year suffered a serious heart attack Sunday night at his home in Philadelphia.

In hospital doctors opened a blocked coronary artery and inserted a stent.

The 64 year old state senator is described as in "serious condition".

TOLLROADSnews 2008-03-03