Trucking Associations Applaud Rejection of Tolling on I-80

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Apr 23, 2010, 12:32 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., April 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) applaud the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) recent decision to reject Pennsylvania's third application to toll Interstate 80 under the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program (ISRRPP). The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rejected the application April 6 because the proposal called for spending toll revenue on projects off I-80, which would violate the conditions established by the ISRRPP.

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"Pennsylvania's attempt to extract money from interstate traffic on I-80 in order to subsidize road and transit systems in other parts of the Commonwealth is poor public policy," said ATA Vice President John Lynch. "Contrary to popular belief, interstate trucks traversing I-80 do not get a 'free ride'. The truth is these trucks pay Pennsylvania's fuel tax - in accordance to the number of miles traveled in the Commonwealth - through an interstate compact known as the International Fuel Tax Agreement."

"All who benefit from the transportation system, including those who use public transportation, should share equitably in the maintenance and improvement costs," said PMTA President Jim Runk. "We look forward to working with the Commonwealth's administration and legislators to develop a plan that addresses deficient bridges and highways."

Since January 2007 ATA and the PMTA have worked hand in hand to oppose the privatization of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and then the implementation of tolls on Interstate 80. ATA and PMTA strongly urge the Commonwealth to discontinue pursuing transportation funding plans that include tolling portions of the national highway network or auctioning off the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the highest bidder and instead focus on efficient, equitable, and less burdensome transportation funding mechanisms. The ATA urges other states to refrain from attempting to toll existing interstate highways.

To view the DOT's letter, visit http://www.truckline.com/Newsroom/Industry%20Documents/I%2080%20rejection%20letter.pdf

The American Trucking Associations (www.truckline.com) is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States. Follow ATA on Twitter @TruckingMatters (www.twitter.com/truckingmatters), or become a fan on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/y4qwp6h).

SOURCE American Trucking Associations