HARRISBURG – Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) joined colleagues today in supporting legislation to stop the proposed plan to toll bridges on Pennsylvania’s interstate system.
PennDOT recently announced plans to toll nine bridges on the interstate system without proper transparency or legislative approval. Senate Bill 382 would reform the Public-Private Transportation Partnership (P3) statute and void PennDOT’s new bridge-tolling plan.
“It is disappointing and frustrating that the Wolf Administration is trying to create yet another new tax on Pennsylvanians – this time on motorists in many communities throughout the state,” Bartolotta said. “This plan will not only take more money out of the pockets of drivers, but also will place more stress on infrastructure on surrounding roads as commuters find alternative routes to skip the tolls.”
Senate Bill 382 will accomplish the following:
- Increases transparency by requiring PennDOT to publish a detailed analysis prior to the P3 Board’s voting meeting, and mandating PennDOT to distribute a copy of the P3 Board’s resolution, with or without a user fee, within 24 hours.
- Incorporates public input by creating a new 30-day public comment period prior to the P3 Board meeting.
- Creates checks and balances on the obscure P3 Board by clarifying any P3 project with a user fee shall be deemed disapproved unless the General Assembly approves.
- Voids the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge P3 Initiative and requires reconsideration by the P3 Board following the new process outlined in Senate Bill 382.
The Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing on January 25 to examine the loopholes of this P3 Initiative. Senate Transportation Committee Chair Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) said he expects the panel to consider Senate Bill 382 this month.
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463