Under ACT 44, the General Assembly authorized the Turnpike Commission to help meet statewide transportation needs, including reconstructing I-80 from the ground up. In order for the Turnpike to meet its obligations, the following funding streams were identified:
1. Turnpike toll increase
2. New tolls on I-80
3. Toll revenue bonds
This scenario provides two-thirds of the money needed for transportation from existing Turnpike users, and roughly one-third from new I-80 tolls. No I-80 tolls can be deposited into the Public Transportation Trust Fund and used for funding public transit needs.
An Unequal Alternative
If I-80 is NOT tolled and the PA Turnpike is privatized:
1. Turnpike travelers would be required to pay 100% of the new transportation funding for more than 40,000 miles of statewide operated roadways, as well as transit.
2. There is no dedicated source of funding available to pay the cost of reconstructing I-80.
IS THIS A FAIR SOLUTION TO PENNSYLVANIA'S FUNDING PROBLEM?
