News From the Standard-Journal

Don’t miss your chance to weigh in on I-80 toll proposal

By Jeff Shaffer, Standard-Journal Staff writer
Saturday, November 10, 2007, Reprinted with Permission

MILTON — Prepare for a highway of information on potential Interstate 80 tolling next week.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, charged to carry out Act 44, which was passed by state lawmakers this summer, will visit Milton to enlighten the public on plans to turn I-80 into a toll road to generate $116 billion over the next 50 years for the state’s transportation infrastructure. The plan still requires approval from the federal government.

Other than the commission — which currently explains details of the plan at its Web site, www.paturnpike.com/I80 — little support has been voiced for the state’s decision to raise tolls on the free highway.

At the first public meeting in Clearfield on Wednesday, the proposal was dealt a tepid response from the pubic, according to the Associated Press. Officials said they will be holding meetings along I-80 to present the plans and projects, not to make a sale. But as of now, not many are buying it.

On Monday from 4 to 8 p.m., with special presentations made at 5 and 6:30 p.m. at the Milton Area High School, the Valley will have its chance to voice opinions on the proposal.

There will also be some action going on outside of the school, according to Maria Culp, president and CEO of the Central Pa. Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber staff will be on hand asking for signatures opposing the I-80 tolling plan. Culp said the chamber has recently joined with the Clarion chamber in enacting a petition, and plans to have other chambers along the highway corridor join in the effort. Culp added soon this information, and a chance to sign the petition, will be available online at the chamber’s Web site, www.centralpachamber.com. The goal is to compile these petitions and the resolutions of several local governments and submit the opposition to the state and federal powers.

“This is to say, ‘How could you agree with this when many people say no?,’” Culp said. “It’s all about making sure voices are heard.

“We need to make all legislators understand Act 44 is a big mistake.”

It’s understood businesses that do any kind of transport will be affected by the toll booths that may line I-80 — as many as 10 across the commonwealth. Local businesses have already calculated that they would be facing heavy losses.

This is, of course, a major reason why the chamber is against the plan, but it’s not the only one. Tolling affects everyone.

Culp reminded to take a look at gas price increases over the past few years. Many service providers started adding a fuel charge to the bill. She believes the same type of scenario would play out if I-80 were made a toll road. So whether you’re ordering something through FedEx or buying milk, the cost will go up, Culp said.
Additional gatherings are also planned in the coming week. Culp said a private meeting with elected officials will be held Monday morning. On Wednesday, the chamber will host a luncheon with the Pa. Turnpike Commission at Norman’s Watson Inn, Watsontown. That meeting is for chamber members and “movers and shakers of the community.” On Friday, the Central Pa. and Greater Susquehanna Valley chambers will discuss the I-80 tolling at their joint legislative forum luncheon at the Country Cupboard in Lewisburg. There, business leaders will explain in detail the potential effects of tolling.

The public may RSVP by calling the Central PA Chamber at 742-7341.

Jeff Shaffer: 570-742-9671
jeff@standard-journal.com