It is no secret that Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges are in a sad state, nor is it a secret that public transit needs more sustainable funding. The tolling of I-80 is designed to help alleviate these problems.

In 2007, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 44 with bipartisan support. Enacted into law, this legislation increased tolls on the Turnpike and called for tolls on Interstate 80, the major east-west corridor across the northern tier of the state.

It is estimated that together these tolls will provide an extra $900 million this year to fund work in all 67 counties. If the tolling of I-80 is not approved, the funding from Act 44 would drop to $450 million. The tolls will not solve all our transportation problems, but they will go a long way towards doing so.

Following Act 44 directives, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has requested permission from the federal Dept. of Transportation to toll I-80. Please contact Secretary Ray LaHood and urge him to permit the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to toll I-80 in Pennsylvania. Let him know how important tolling of I-80 will be for public transit systems throughout Pennsylvania.

In addition, please contact Senators Casey and Specter, as well as your Congressman, and urge them to ask Secretary LaHood to permit the tolling of I-80.