Transportation Commission Will Hear Concept Of Tolling Route 422
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - Governor Corbett's transportation funding advisory commission will hear a presentation this morning on the idea of turning a stretch of Route 422 into a toll road. But the chairman of the panel says it will not be making recommendations on this or any other specific proposal.
PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch is the chairman of the panel created by Governor Corbett to craft recommendations on new ways to fund transportation needs. He says the plan to toll Route 422 in order to fund improvements to the road is just one approach to transportation funding that involves giving local governments tolling or taxing authority.
"We're also going to discuss things that have been done by other states," Schoch says. "For instance in Florida, the counties have the right to add a penny to the gas tax, other states have the ability for counties to add sales tax, all for the intent of dedicated revenue for transportation in that region. So the (Route) 422 project is just one illustrative example – we will not be taking action on it in any way, shape or form."
Schoch is clear that, at least with regard to his panel, it will only be eyeing the concept behind the Rt. 422 proposal.
"This is all for the benefit of the commission simply to look at that one method of general revenue increasing – which is called 'local taxation authority'. It is not going to be specific to any one proposal – any recommendations we might consider."
Schoch says the panel will make general recommendations on transportation funding by August 1st.
Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060
