HARRISBURG, Pa. — State lawmakers and stakeholders united on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday for a rally against PennDOT’s “P3″ proposal to toll nine interstate bridges, including the Interstate 79 bridge running through Bridgeville.
“In the face of rising gas prices and inflation, imposing these tolls is even more unacceptable,” said Sen. Lisa Baker.
The rally comes after a court recently sided with the group, granting a preliminary injunction against PennDOT’s plans.
“We are very optimistic with the decision of the court,” said Sen. Wayne Langerholc Jr. “We are going to prevail. We are not going to remain silent.”
PennDOT has stated that the tolls are needed to fund the repair of the bridges. A spokesperson on Wednesday did not indicate the department’s next legal steps but did provide the following statement: “We continue to welcome discussions with the General Assembly on alternative funding sources that can replace the gas tax, which is no longer a dependable source of funding to meet all bridge and highway needs in this commonwealth. To date, the legislature has failed to offer any solutions beyond their approval of the P3 initiative, that will assist the administration’s desire to phase out the gas tax. "
During Wednesday’s rally, several speakers did offer alternative suggestions, including bond issuance.
Katherine Hetherington Cunfer, with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, said, “the recent passage of the Federal Infrastructure Bill, the American Rescue Plan and the unexpected record-setting revenue, gives us time to come up with a better plan for our infrastructure-funding needs.”
Hetherington Cunfer is also a member of the No P3 Bridge Tolls Coalition, and urged motorists to sign its petition.
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