|
Pennsylvania Act 44 of 2007 authorized and the to seek authority from the to toll I-80. The PTC can apply for such authority through existing federally legislated programs (ie: Title 23, ISTEA, TEA-21 and SAFETEA-LU*). These programs provide opportunities for states to use tolls to finance projects or address state debt. However, participation is limited and FHWA approval is required.
After receiving the Expression of Interest to convert I-80 to a toll facility, the FHWA recommended the PTC and PennDOT apply for the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot (ISRRP) Program. The ISRRP Program authorized by TEA-21 in 1998 allows up to three Interstate facilities in separate states to be tolled to generate funding for reconstruction or rehabilitation on Interstate highway corridors that could not otherwise be adequately maintained or functionally improved without the collection of tolls.
To date, two slots have been given conditional provisional acceptance: the I-81 Project in Virginia and the I-70 Project in Missouri. The PTC and PennDOT are applying for the one remaining program slot.
* Authorized through the following federal legislation: Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-240); Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century was enacted June 9, 1998 as Public Law 105-178; and Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (Public Law 109-59) enacted August 10, 2005.
|
