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For Immediate Release
May 5, 2010
Contact: David Atkinson
717-787-6535
 

Senator Lloyd Smucker

 Statement on Transportation Special Session

It is clear that the need for repairing roads and fixing bridges far outruns our current capacity to pay for the work.  It is equally clear that people in our area oppose the traditional ways of raising transportation funding, such as higher gas taxes and registration and driver’s license fees.

Governor Rendell is right in warning that gearing back the state transportation program hurts the economy and raises safety concerns. 

However, the Governor seems too inclined toward tax hikes and fee increases to address the problem.  Those steps would also hurt the economy and put more of a burden on families already struggling during these difficult times.

This situation forces a serious look at options that have been ignored or discounted over the years.  These would include opening the door for private-public partnerships, merging or leasing the Turnpike, and stopping the practice of shifting federal transportation dollars meant for roads to underwrite mass transit.

Although federal officials rejected efforts to toll I-80, that does not prevent us from exploring the possibility of tolling heavily traveled roads in the corners of the state.

While the early discussion has mostly focused on ways to generate revenue, cost cuts and efficiency moves can free up dollars for additional projects.  Controlling costs should be where the debate begins.  If an agreement can be reached on funding mechanisms, there will have to be consideration of how to distribute any new money and how project priorities will be set.