Joseph Markosek – 1/27/08

This page was last updated on February 9, 2008.

Tolling I-80 is fair; State Rep. Joseph Markosek; Beaver County Times; January 27, 2008. An editor’s note asserts, “The writer is majority chairman of the House Transportation Committee.”

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Monday’s editorial “Freeloaders” was right on the money.

“The editorial explained why it is both fair and important that the newly enacted Transportation Funding Bill (Act 44) authorizes the tolling of Interstate 80. Readers in southwestern Pennsylvania pay their fair share in fuel taxes and turnpike tolls. Some of this money goes to the upkeep and repair of I-80. It’s time I-80 riders paid their share.”

[RWC] Did you notice Mr. Markosek failed to mention I-70, I-79, etc. in SW Pennsylvania?

“A significant majority of what is mostly truck traffic on I-80 is from out of state and they travel at our expense.

“The weight limit for interstate highways is 40 tons. According to a study completed by the Federal Highway Administration, one 40-ton truck does as much damage to the road as 9,600 cars.

“A separate report by the Federal Highway Administration says the heaviest trucks on the nation’s roads pay as little as 40 percent of the cost to repair the damage and ease the congestion they cause.

“Many truck magazine surveys show their displeasure with our roads in Pennsylvania. The tolling of I-80 will give them a chance to participate in providing a smoother ride.”

[RWC] Don’t they already do that via the fuel taxes they pay?

Mr. Markosek failed to note the tolls collected on I-80 would not be used solely for I-80 needs. Some of the tolls would be used for BCTA, PAT, etc. and other bridges and roads. You can see for yourself in the text of Act 44 at http://www.paturnpike.com/I80/images/200700044.pdf.

“The alternative is to raise fuel taxes, license fees or sell/lease the turnpike for up to 99 years. Why make these choices when the current law is already fair?”

[RWC] Mr. Markosek failed to note how everything he said about I-80 is also true for the interstates in SW Pennsylvania. Why isn’t he lobbying for tolls on them?

As I’ve written before, I’m all for putting tolls on our interstates and other limited access highways, as long as the tolls are used solely for the needs of the specific road or bridge on which the toll is collected. If Mr. Markosek were truly interested in what’s “fair,” he would make the same commitment and sponsor this amendment to the Transportation Funding Bill (Act 44). I could be wrong, but don’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen.