Tolls Rejected, Shortfall Projected
By: Nate Potter
Updated: April 7, 2010
HARRISBURG - For the third time the federal government rejected Pennsylvania's request to toll Interstate 80. Now, Governor Rendell is calling for a special legislative session to come up with new sources of funding.
In the 2010-2011 budget, which takes effect on July 1st, there will only be $450 million available for road and bridge repairs. Lawmakers were hoping to have a $900 million transportation budget, with $450 million coming from revenue generated through the tolls on Interstate 80.
Basically, lawmakers were planning to receive $450 million from the tolls, and they didn't have a backup plan.
"I asked the governor what was his plan B," said Representative Glenn Thompson. "He didn't have a Plan B. It's time for Plan B, today."
Thompson said that Pennsylvania should look at using taxes from the Marcellus Shale industry to help the shortfall in the transportation budget.
Governor Rendell now says the lack of funds could lead to a loss of 12,000 jobs, if nothing is done.
Rendell has called for a special session of the General Assembly to address the lack of funding in the transportation budget. A date has not been set.
The governor also said he will not resubmit an application to the federal government to toll I-80.
