Scarnati's Transportation Plan
By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director
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.
"While Act 44 did provide a much needed boost to our transportation funding crisis in the Commonwealth, the citizens of this district (25th) demanded that we do better," Scarnati said.
He adds that while many lawmakers – both state and federal – said they were against the tolls, they didn't offer alternatives.
"It's time for these legislators to be for something," he said.
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.
Elements of the plan
Scarnati said it was important to have valuable dialogue with the constituents concerned with Act 44 and believes this led to further examination of the existing proposal.
"I have stated time and time again, that I did not support tolling I-80, but realized that Pennsylvania was faced with a transportation funding crisis," Scarnati stated. "After tremendous input from various individuals and groups, I realized that we needed an improved plan that will meet the demands of our motoring public without placing any area at an economic disadvantage. I believe my plan will do just that."
Earlier this week, Governor Ed Rendell announced a $12.8 billion bid from a private consortium to lease the turnpike for 75 years. Scarnati says a company from Spain has the majority interest. They are coupled with an Austrailian company, a Canadian pension fund and CitiGroup from New York.
"From the beginning I had concerns about (foreign involvement)," he said. "In 75 years, how do we know who's going to own that company that's in Spain?"
"I'm convinced the more we look at the turnpike plan, the less support it's going to have," said.
He added that the turnpike plan is getting a cold reception in Harrisburg, in part because of the involvement of foreign companies.
But, he said, he's willing to take a look at it and put it through the public process although he has "great consternation" about what's in the plan. Both plans, he said, need to be looked at soon. He said his plan is currently being circulated for co-sponsorship, will be written into legislation and be referred to committee. He said he will also be working with transporation committee chairman Senator Roger Madigan in order to set up public hearings.
"If we're going to fund transportation, it's going to be done through some tough choices, and the tough choices don't have to include gas tax nor selling the turnpike nor tolling Interstate 80," he said.
"Clearly, this transportation plan requires the General Assembly and the Governor to make tough budgetary decisions," Scarnati added. "However, I am confident that my colleagues will see the merit in this fiscally prudent transportation funding plan."
He said his plan "brings some fiscal sanity back to how we pay for transportation now and in the future."
WESB/WBRR News Director
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.
"While Act 44 did provide a much needed boost to our transportation funding crisis in the Commonwealth, the citizens of this district (25th) demanded that we do better," Scarnati said.
He adds that while many lawmakers – both state and federal – said they were against the tolls, they didn't offer alternatives.
"It's time for these legislators to be for something," he said.
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.
Elements of the plan
Scarnati said it was important to have valuable dialogue with the constituents concerned with Act 44 and believes this led to further examination of the existing proposal.
"I have stated time and time again, that I did not support tolling I-80, but realized that Pennsylvania was faced with a transportation funding crisis," Scarnati stated. "After tremendous input from various individuals and groups, I realized that we needed an improved plan that will meet the demands of our motoring public without placing any area at an economic disadvantage. I believe my plan will do just that."
Earlier this week, Governor Ed Rendell announced a $12.8 billion bid from a private consortium to lease the turnpike for 75 years. Scarnati says a company from Spain has the majority interest. They are coupled with an Austrailian company, a Canadian pension fund and CitiGroup from New York.
"From the beginning I had concerns about (foreign involvement)," he said. "In 75 years, how do we know who's going to own that company that's in Spain?"
"I'm convinced the more we look at the turnpike plan, the less support it's going to have," said.
He added that the turnpike plan is getting a cold reception in Harrisburg, in part because of the involvement of foreign companies.
But, he said, he's willing to take a look at it and put it through the public process although he has "great consternation" about what's in the plan. Both plans, he said, need to be looked at soon. He said his plan is currently being circulated for co-sponsorship, will be written into legislation and be referred to committee. He said he will also be working with transporation committee chairman Senator Roger Madigan in order to set up public hearings.
"If we're going to fund transportation, it's going to be done through some tough choices, and the tough choices don't have to include gas tax nor selling the turnpike nor tolling Interstate 80," he said.
"Clearly, this transportation plan requires the General Assembly and the Governor to make tough budgetary decisions," Scarnati added. "However, I am confident that my colleagues will see the merit in this fiscally prudent transportation funding plan."
He said his plan "brings some fiscal sanity back to how we pay for transportation now and in the future."
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