BRIDGEVILLE, Pa. — Local and state leaders united with citizens and business owners Friday afternoon for a rally against PennDOT’s proposal to toll a local bridge.
“This is not a partisan issue,” said State Representative Jason Ortitay. “It’s a reckless proposal.”
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Channel 11 told you last week that PennDOT has proposed adding tolls to nine bridges across Pennsylvania. The money generated would go towards projects planned to reconstruct or replace them.
>> RELATED STORY: PennDOT suggests 9 bridges in the state to add tolling, including one in our area
The I-79 bridge in Allegheny County is on the list, and local leaders claim they were blindsided by the plan.
Gwen Rodi, President of the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners, said she has received an onslaught of calls from outraged community members and stakeholders.
“There has not been one person who has supported this proposal,” she told the room.
Republican State Senator Devlin Robinson was among speakers who expressed concern for businesses within the I-79 corridor.
“The government’s focus should be on partnering with the local community and helping the economy grow,” he said.
Local business owner Marc Snider told Channel 11 that this toll could be the “nail in the coffin” for his two eateries in the area, Lucha Street Tacos and Bubba’s Gourmet Burgher and Beer.
Both businesses have already taken a huge hit from the pandemic, and he worries a toll could deter customers from coming out. And with times this tough, every customer counts, he said.
“If someone from PennDOT is listening, I want you to think about the people you affect, and find every single alternative available before you do this.”
Rep. Ortitay told Channel 11 that the department has the power to launch the tolls without approval from the General Assembly, but he said lawmakers are striving to find an alternative.
We reached out to PennDOT to get their response on the concerns voiced.
“Transportation is the backbone of our economy and we must invest to maintain and grow our communities. Poor infrastructure costs both Pennsylvanians and businesses, and deters future investment,” said PennDOT Communications Director Erin Waters-Trasatt.
Waters-Trasatt stated that PennDOT has an $8.1 billion annual gap in highway and bridge funding needs. The department has been relying on gas tax revenue for the majority of its funding, and that source has become “less predictable.”
She said the tolls will prevent the department from having to pull money from other projects. Nonetheless, a public involvement process will take place for each location, with public input sought, she said.
Waters-Trasatt claimed that the proposal included “legislative input” and noted that bridge rehabilitation can stimulate the economy and create jobs.
But those who took part in Friday’s rally fear it will rather lead to significant job loss.
“This cannot happen,” Snider told the room. “This must stop.”
The toll cost is estimated at $1 to $2 but has not been determined, Waters-Trasatt said.
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