The prospect of placing tolls on Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania is a controversial topic, and one that is unpopular with many in the trucking industry. The state of Pennsylvania, however, is continuing to move forward with its desire to turn this federal highway into a toll road. In October, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission entered into a 50-year lease agreement that would allow for the tolling of I-80. This effort stems from a Pennsylvania law passed by the state legislature in July that was supported and signed by Governor Edward Rendell.
The Pennsylvania DOT and the Pennsylvanian Turnpike Commission filed a formal application with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on Oct. 13, requesting permission to implement tolls on I-80. According to the lease agreement and the application, the use of tolls would result in funding restricted to roads and bridges. However, the funding from I-80 tolls would not be limited to I-80 itself – and this is part of the controversy.
Many doubt that the funds would truly be used for roads and bridges. Oftentimes funds of this nature end up going to public-transit programs or even the general fund. However, on Sept. 26, Pennsylvania Turnpike Chief Executive Joe Brimmeier rejected these assertions. “Not one dime of tolls from I-80 would go to mass transit anywhere in the commonwealth,” he said. “In fact, the money collected on I-80 would first pay for maintenance and reconstruction on I-80, with remaining toll revenues supporting improvements to roads and bridges throughout Pennsylvania – including many along this largely rural corridor of the state.”
Much work remains to be done before tolls would be in place on I-80 in Pennsylvania. First, the application for authorization by the FHWA needs to be approved, and the FHWA does not appear to be in a rush to approve it. As reported on the WTAE-TV Web site, James D. Ray, chief counsel and acting deputy administrator for the FHWA, said in a letter dated Oct. 17 that this application simply begins the review process.
"In reviewing this application, we will conduct a thorough analysis of the application's merits based on the statutory criteria and determine if the selection of I-80 in Pennsylvania for one of three nationwide tolling pilot authorities is appropriate," the letter said.
Another obstacle to the implementation of tolls on I-80 is the widespread opposition to the program. There are philosophical reasons to oppose the tolls, and then there are practical reasons as well. Many cite the fact that fuel taxes are supposed to be used for the purposes tolls will be used for. The problem with this is that fuel-tax revenue in many states and the federal government is often diverted from infrastructure improvement to the general fund. Would tolls be needed if fuel taxes were utilized for their intended purpose?
Opposition groups, including those in the trucking industry, will likely deluge the FHWA with their views, and with any luck, the FHWA will listen. But the FHWA already has a test program, the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program, in place to allow for the tolling of interstates. So, there is precedent to allow it.
As of this writing, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is planning to hold public meetings around the state to explain the program and to garner public support. This is really an interesting idea, especially since the law was enacted in July, the governor has signed it, and the lease, too, already has been signed. Now, it appears, the commission is being reactive – instead of proactive – to the public. That old saying, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission,” seems to be in effect here. Yet the proposal moves forward.
If the application is approved, the state of Pennsylvania will proceed with the establishment of tolls on I-80. Tolling will not, however, decrease the amount of money the trucking industry spends on fuel or other costs. Instead it will be just one more expense for the industry to bear. With profit margins so tight now, why would anyone in the trucking industry support tolling? Take action – contact the FHWA (www.fhway.dot.gov) and let it know what you think of the plan. Contact your congressmen, too. Let them know your thoughts on this, and perhaps encourage them to use the fuel tax for the purposes it is intended.
Is this really a precedent the trucking industry wants to see set? I think not!
