ACTION ALERT: Urge Congress and The Federal Highway Administration to Oppose I-80 Tolling
BACKGROUND: As the only free east-to-west interstate in Pennsylvania, I-80 is heavily trafficked by companies across the state. In July 2007 – without a public hearing or input from the business community – Governor Edward Rendell signed into law Act 44, which allows the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to toll Interstate 80. The revenue from the tolling will pay for the upkeep of roads, highways and public transportation across the state. The proposal twice was sent to the Federal Highway Administration for approval and twice was denied on what the governor terms a “technicality.” The Rendell administration, along with PA Turnpike officials, has since filed a new application to install tolls on I-80. The business community must unite to oppose the tolling of I-80.
IMPACT ON THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY:
- It’s not just a toll – it’s a tax. Further taxation undermines attempts to maintain jobs and revive an already reeling economy.
- It raises operating costs for businesses. A round-trip toll for a truck to deliver goods could be as high as $400, which could force businesses to make tough decisions like downsizing or moving out of state, taking jobs and other forms of revenue with them.
- It requires residents and business owners along I-80 to pay for the rest of the state’s infrastructure and mass transit needs.
- It forces businesses to fund waste and overspending at the PA Turnpike Commission and in other areas of state government.
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED: To join this effort, please review the sample letter below and fax to the MBA at 814/833-4844. Your company’s name and the number of employees will then be listed in the signature line of the letter. Once completed, this information will be delivered to both the Washington and district offices of all Pennsylvania members of Congress.
Dear Congressperson,
As a Pennsylvania employer, I strongly urge you to oppose the tolling of Interstate 80, or any other effort that forces the businesses along one interstate to pay for the infrastructure and mass transit desires of the rest of the Commonwealth. Making I-80 a toll road threatens our economic competitiveness, forcing many employers to make tough budget decisions during a recession that has hit Pennsylvania hard. At a time when the state’s unemployment rate already is nearing nine percent, this proposal could mean more lost jobs as businesses downsize to pay for the exorbitant tolls placed on tractor-trailers.
While the business community is happy to pay its fair share, the money garnered from tolling I-80 would not benefit the communities and businesses that use the road most. The revenues would be dispersed across the state to fund mass transit in city centers, as well as other transportation initiatives. Truckers, commuters and other motorists already are paying approximately $50 million more than what is currently spent maintaining the interstate. Instead of asking for more revenue, the legislature and governor should look to cut waste and limit spending within the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and other areas of the state government.
The Federal Highway Administration twice has rejected the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s application, most recently on September 11, 2008. This agency – investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation upon allegations of a pay-to-play scandal and mismanagement of government money – should not be entrusted with additional responsibility.
If passed, this proposal also could risk the lives of residents in the communities surrounding I-80 as tractor-trailers and commuters avoid the interstate to use second-hand roads not built for interstate traffic. It would force counties and municipalities who are already cash strapped to put more money toward resurfacing these roads.
This proposal will not be the “magic pill” to cure Pennsylvania’s ailing infrastructure. More time should be devoted to properly developing and vetting infrastructure legislation and asking for input, not hurriedly passing bad policy that could do more harm than good. I respectfully urge you to publicly oppose the tolling of I-80. Thank you for your consideration.
cc: Federal Highway Administration
(Running list of Pennsylvania Employers)