House-$s chairman Dwight Evans sponsors bill to lease Pennsylvania Turnpike

Support for a lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike has surfaced with the announcement that two influential politicians are sponsoring enabling legislation - House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans, a long serving Democrat representative from the northern part of Philadlephia, and Republican Appropriations Committee member Steve Cappelli, who represents the Williamsport area just north of I-80.

A statement issued by Evans office quotes him: “I want a discussion about our options and this proposal to lease the Turnpike should be in the mix. Rep. Cappelli and I have the same goal – to find the best way to pay for road and bridge repairs in Pennsylvania and to fund mass transit.”

There are moves in the state senate by Republican Turnpike Commission supporters to prohibit consideration of a lease.

Evans is quoted: “I know there is concern about this proposal particularly with regard to the numbers. But it troubles me anyone would reject this idea before analyzing it thoroughly. We need to be open to the concept.”

Capelli is quoted: “We have a crisis in Pennsylvania with regard to funding road and bridge repairs and paying for transit systems."

“Act 44 is a good proposal but given the public’s objections and the uncertainly of it winning federal approval, I’m willing to look at other ideas including leasing the Turnpike.”

Evans said the leasing plan is a viable option and it should not be dismissed without deliberation and a public hearing to determine its impact.

“We must find a way to generate new revenue. With gas prices at record highs, we certainly can’t raise the state gas tax. Even if we could, that money can’t be used for public transit. Senate Republicans don’t want to raise the state’s debt level. And increasing fees on items related to transportation such as licenses or tires simply won’t provide the dollars we need,” Evans said. “That leaves two choices: Act 44, which needs federal approval, and leasing the Turnpike.”

The bill allocated the number HB2593 is not yet posted but will be available here:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2007&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2593

Paul Nussbaum in the Philadelphia Inquirer this morning was first with the story of enabling legislation. He also quoted the chairman of the house transportation committee Rep Joe Markosek (Dem Allegheny) an opponent of the lease as saying it won't gain support.

Gov Rendell has said he doesn't expect a vote this session due to end June 28 because getting a state budget is a higher priority. He is now pushing for it to be considered in the fall session which goes through September and October.

One idea being floated now is for legislative supporters and opponents to agree on an independent consultant who would make a comparative analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Act 44 and the lease - a report to be completed in time for the beginning of the fall session.

TOLLROADSnews 2008-06-05