Petition to Oppose Tolling of I-80 in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania resurrects plans to put tolls on Interstate 80

PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania Turnpike officials are preparing to revive their application to impose tolls on Interstate 80. Meanwhile, opponents plan to unveil a study that finds I-80 tolls are unjustified and could lead to an increase in crashes. Read More ...

In July 2007, Governor Ed Rendell approved legislation creating Act 44 and authorizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to collect tolls on the portion of Interstate 80 that travels through Pennsylvania. With only one month between the time the legislation was introduced and then signed into law, there were no public hearings nor any other opportunity for those who would be most affected by the tolls to comment. In the months since Act 44 was created, business leaders, government officials and private citizens have spoken out about the effect tolling Interstate 80 will have on Pennsylvania's economy.

Because it is part of the Federal Highway System, built with federal funds to facilitate interstate commerce and national defense, federal approval is needed before Interstate 80 can become a toll road. The Turnpike Commission has submitted an Expression of Interest to the United States Department of Transportation, but has not yet received the necessary approval to begin instituting tolls.

This site contains Act 44 Facts, Act 44 Vote Records of our representatives, a list of Key Contacts, and News and Information to help ensure that your voice is heard.

The Central PA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, on behalf of our members, unanimously opposes the imposition of tolls on Interstate-80 (I-80). We are concerned citizens who urge our legislative leaders to act now to defeat this measure.

Our concerns are:

  1. Economic impact on future development in our region;
  2. Economic & financial impact on our current businesses in Central PA;
  3. Impact of increased commercial traffic on toll-free highways in our communities;
  4. The fact that I-80 tolling has been proposed because the diversion of other funding streams to mass transit authorities leaves insufficient funds for bridge and highway maintenance throughout Pennsylvania.

If you agree, please join us in our opposition to tolls on I-80: