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HARRISBURG, PA (09/12/2008; 1625)(readMedia)-- Turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier made these comments upon reviewing the Sept. 11 FHWA memorandum on the application to toll I-80:
"The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission believes that it met all of the statutory and procedural requirements in the pilot program, and we are disappointed in the federal decision to not move the state's joint I-80 tolling application forward. Yesterday's FHWA memo may well eliminate a critical tool in an already-limited transportation funding toolbox - not only for Pennsylvania but for all states facing a transportation-funding crunch.
The Turnpike Commission continues to fulfill its Act-44 financial obligations. It has made Act-44 payments totaling $962.5 million to PennDOT over the past year alone. In addition, more than $1.5 billion in guaranteed funding will be transferred to PennDOT between now and 2010 for highways, bridges and public-transportation agencies across the commonwealth. This ongoing funding stream means that Pennsylvania General Assembly members have ample time to carefully consider their options and choose a solution that is best for all Pennsylvanians.
The Turnpike's objective has always been to assist the commonwealth by offering viable alternatives to supplement the state's transportation budget. Under Act 44, we've served as the linchpin of the state's funding solution, and we anticipate a role in whatever future decision the General Assembly reaches. We still believe that the unique public/public partnership created under Act 44 - which maintains public ownership and oversight of a vital asset - definitely has merit and can serve as a model for other states. If called upon again, we are ready to do our part to ensure the state's ground-transportation network remains adequately funded and viable for many years to come."
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