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LETTER TO THE EDITOR |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Michael
J. Herzing |
State Rep. Robert E.
Belfanti, Jr. |
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Editor, please consider the attached letter from state Rep. Robert E. Belfanti for your Letters to the Editor page. Please contact me for confirmation or with any questions.
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July 20, 2007
Editor:
I want to make clear to my constituents in the 107th Legislative District why I voted “NO” on the transportation package signed into law by the governor this week. While long-term, dedicated funding for critical road and bridge repair in my legislative district is important, this plan raises too many questions and could negatively impact many workers and businesses in the state.
I am particularly concerned about the part of the plan that calls for tolling Interstate 80.
I am not opposed to tolling I-80 per se. The cost of repairing and maintaining this interstate to Pennsylvania taxpayers is about $115 million per year. Most the vehicles tearing up this highway -- about 74 percent – are from out of state, and they should be contributing something toward maintenance. By capturing this out-of-state revenue, we could shift that $115 million to other highway and bridge projects in the state. That’s why I could have supported this proposal if it had limited toll booths to both ends of the state and maybe one or two in between designed to catch these out-of-state and long-distance travelers.
However, the plan that passed the legislature leaves the number and placement of toll booths on I-80 wide open. Instead, a committee that lacks both oversight by and accountability to taxpayers will “study the issue” and make a determination. That’s not good enough.
I could not support a plan that leaves unanswered questions such as: What steps will be taken to ensure tolls do not negatively impact businesses located near exits on I-80? Will local travelers who use I-80 every day be given a way to avoid tolls? How much money will these tolls raise, how much will be dedicated to I-80, and when will construction and repair work begin on the portions of I-80 that need attention?
One other point I would like to make: A number of media stories in the past week have made it seem as if the transportation legislation was passed by Democrats. In fact, 28 Republicans (more than a quarter) in the state House voted for it. The legislation could not have passed without the support of both Democrats and Republicans. It was a bipartisan plan. Unfortunately, it is also a flawed and incomplete plan.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Belfanti, Jr.
State Representative
107th Legislative District