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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Siptroth |
  
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May 22, 2008
News of turnpike bid a disappointment
By state Rep. John Siptroth
As you may know, Gov. Ed Rendell recently announced the winning bid for a 75-year lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I want you to know that, for various reasons, I am hesitant to support the $12.8 billion bid.
I have great reservations about leasing state assets because of the dangerous precedent it sets. Going forward with this plan sets a standard to allow future governors to put other state assets, like state parks and forests, in jeopardy of being leased or sold off to finance future initiatives the state does not have the resources for.
Even if billions of dollars from the Pennsylvania Turnpike lease would be used toward road and bridge repairs across the state, it would merely be a quick fix to an ongoing problem. That's why I stand by the transportation plan outlined by House Democrats during last year's budget debates.
As a member of the House Transportation Committee, I am eager to take a look at the fine print on the deal before taking a definite position. The House and Senate will need to go over the proposal thoroughly and consider its implications before amending Act 44. We have a long road ahead of us in doing so.
I have contacted the governor’s office and the secretary of Transportation to ask for a commitment from them that, if we amend Act 44 to include the lease of the turnpike, the $12.8 billion will include funding for the Marshalls Creek Bypass and State Route 2001 in Pike County.
That is the only way the lease initiative will get my support, though I would remain skeptical about the deal. I voted for Act 44 based upon the need for additional funding for projects in the 189th District, and was angry when the state Transportation Department halted bypass construction.
Another suggested alternative to raise capital for road and bridge projects in Pennsylvania is to raise the gas tax. I want you to know that I would never vote in favor of such an initiative.
My goal for transportation funding is to find a comprehensive solution that will last, and my top priority is to fund projects in my legislative district. I fear that if we lease the turnpike, we risk the loss of future revenues that we may need once funding from the lease has all been spent.
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