Statement by Senator Lisa Baker on Federal Highway Administration Rejection of Proposal to Toll I-80

Dallas – Following the Federal Highway Administration's rejection of Pennsylvania's proposal to toll I-80, Senator Lisa Baker made the following statement:

"If this proves to be the end of the misguided attempt to toll I-80, the federal rejection comes as a major relief to area motorists, workers, and employers.

Because Pennsylvania cannot afford to back away from the obligation to fix dangerous bridges and repair deteriorating roads, the search must begin for a more economically acceptable and fiscally responsible way of funding transportation improvements.  The lesson from this is that it is too large a burden to put on just one part of the state.

We must take the time to do it right – rushing to unload the Pennsylvania Turnpike, without extensive details publicly disclosed and without public support earned, will likely be substituting one bad decision for another."