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For Immediate
Release
9/26/12
Hearing Agenda |Watch
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Listen - 1:49
Joint Hearing Focuses on Financial Stability of Pennsylvania Turnpike
Commission
HARRISBURG -- The Senate and House Transportation Committees this week held a
joint public hearing in Harrisburg to learn more about the financial situation
of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, according to Senate Transportation
Committee Chairman John Rafferty (R-Montgomery).
Rafferty said the committee heard testimony from Auditor General Jack Wagner
and representatives of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission about the impact of
the passage of Act 44 on the commission's growing debt load and how it could
impact the Commonwealth.
He said Act 44 established a long-term public partnership between the
Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and
authorized the tolling of I-80 to pay for transportation costs. However, the
federal government decided not to allow the tolling, leaving a revenue shortfall
that continues to grow larger.
"The turnpike is a key part of our state's transportation system, and it is
important to look at its financial situation and the impact it could have on
users and all taxpayers," Rafferty said. "This hearing has helped us to gather
new information on the situation, and to also focus on the need to adequately
fund all our roads and bridges."
CONTACT:
Ryan Boop
(717) 787-1398
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