Scarnati Unveils Transportation Plan

State Senator Joe Scarnati has introduced a new transportation funding plan that would eliminate the possibility of imposing tolls on Interstate 80 or leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Among the elements of Scarnati's plan are evaluating the operating expenses of the turnpike through an independent auditor, and using the proceeds from any cost-saving recommendations to supplement statewide transportation funding; changing the way the state police is funded; and enacting legislation authorizing the Commonwealth to enter into public-private partnerships. Scarnati says the plan "requires the general assembly and the governor to make tough budgetary decisions," but he's confident that his colleagues will "see the merit in this fiscally prudent transportation funding plan."

We'll have much more on this story later this afternoon.