Sec LaHood promises PA/I-80 toll decision "very soon"

US transport secretary Ray LaHood told four members of a Pennsylvania congressional delegation that a US decision on whether I-80 can be tolled will be made "very soon." This is reported today by US Rep Glenn 'GT' Thompson (Repub) from the State College area of central northern part of the state where I-80 is the major east-west artery.

According to Thompson's staff the meeting held in Cong Thompson's office on Capitol Hill. Also present were federal highways administrator Victor Mendez, USDOT assistant secretary for government affairs Dana Gresham and three other congressmen in the PA/I-80 corridor - Kathy Dahlkemper (Dem, Erie), Chris Carney (Dem, Dimock) and Paul Kanjowski (Dem, Nanticoke).

The congressmen from the corridor are all opposed to the tolling of I-80 as a new economic burden on the area.

However their opposition is matched by support from interests in the south of the state, especially the metro areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and politicians attempting to balance the state budget without tax increases.

Much of the I-80 toll money would flow to these areas under the state Act 44 enabling legislation.

Without permission for tolling, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will approximately halve its current annual contribution to the state's rail and highway programs.

Twice previously - under the Bush administration - moves to toll PA/I-80 have been rejected on the grounds that the proposal doesn't meet the requirements of federal law on the circumstances in which interstate highways can be tolled. These require that the proceeds be used substantially for rebuilding and improving the interstate being tolled and that fair market value is paid for the right to toll.

TOLLROADSnews 2010-01-19