I continue my opposition to the tolling of I-80. Interstate 80 is the lifeline of our county and needs to remain toll free. Allowing any form of tolling will hinder economic development for our county and will place an additional burden on Clearfield County residents as they travel to and from work.
Clearfield County has 6 exits on I-80 covering over 41 miles. That means people traveling across the state have 6 opportunities to come and explore Clearfield County. Travelers support our restaurants, gas stations, and hotels.
We feel that this is a ill-conceived decision that puts the burden of fixing PA roads and bridges squarely on the back of central Pennsylvania’s citizens. It is unfair and devastating to our local transportation and warehousing industries
Tolling I-80 will make us less competitive. Clearfield County is home to 251 warehousing and transportation business that employ 4,059 employees. Clearfield County’s central location and easy access to Interstate 80 are prime reasons that Wal-Mart chose to locate a distribution center near Woodland’s exit of I-80. Trucking companies and warehouses that are already located here may not be quite as willing to stay and expand.
I-80 is our economic artery. The remainder of our road system is inadequate to support a modern logistical system. When Clearfield County citizens go somewhere they travel on I-80. Tolling I-80 is equivalent to taxing our driveways. Almost everything we consume or export travels on I-80. These products will need to reflect the cost.
Act 44 was created in haste behind closed doors. From the time it was passed until it was signed into law only one month passed. That is almost unheard of in the government bureaucracy. Not one single public hearing was held until after the fact. Both Representative George and Surra voted to toll I-80. In the Senate Joseph Scarnati and Don White also voted to toll I-80.
Many folks who support the tolling used the argument that its users do not pay their fair share. The truth is PA has some of the highest gas taxes in the nation. Even if a truck driver does not purchase gas in PA, due to the Inter Fuel Tax Agreement, the percentage of miles his trip include in PA are sent back to Harrisburg in gas tax revenues. The amount of revenue generated on I-80 along with Federal Government monies exceeds the roads operating expense by 10%.
We need to stand together and let our voices be heard. This fight will not be over until Act 44 is repealed. If our legislators have different feelings now than they did at the vote, they need to push to repeal Act 44 now. I challenge each person to contact his or her Senators and Congressmen and tell them exactly how tolling or taxing Interstate 80 will affect you. Tell them you are tired of back room closed door deals.
The numbers you need are Rep Camille George 378-6279; Senator Don White 236-1520; and Senator Joe Scarnati 265-2030. Tell them to vote to represent the best interest of those who elected them.
Joan Robinson McMillen
Clearfield County Commissioner