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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Scott Conklin |
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Conklin introduces transportation funding plan
HARRISBURG, May 5 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today he has introduced legislation to address Pennsylvania's transportation funding challenges.
Conklin said his Gateway Tolling for Transportation Independence Today bill would implement a toll at the border of each of the state's interstate highways, besides the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
"This presents a long-term opportunity to help adequately fund our many transportation needs without having to raise existing taxes," Conklin said. "If we don't come up with creative solutions, the problems we have with aging bridges and roads are only going to get worse and more expensive."
Under Conklin's bill, passenger vehicles would be required to pay $1 and commercial vehicles, $5, when crossing a border terminal in or out of Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would collect toll revenues to be used for maintenance, upkeep and improvements to interstate highways and bridges, administrative costs associated with gateway tolling and mass transit needs.
"The bill would also allow for pre-purchased tolls at discounted rates," Conklin said. "It would be similar to buying something in bulk and the discount could be up to half the cost."
According to PennDOT, an estimated 168 million vehicles cross Pennsylvania’s borders on non-tolled interstate roads and bridges annually.
"When you factor in vehicle and trip numbers, gateway tolling could raise at least $300 million a year," said Conklin. "Millions of cars translates into millions of dollars that we can't afford to lose in Pennsylvania."