SEPTEMBER 2, 2008 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Turnpike Commission Triples Act 44 Debt from $14 Billion to $44 Billion

Unpaid debt increases from $0 to $73 billion under PTC’s revised plans
 

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation presented an analysis of the proposed debt under the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s proposal to the federal government to toll Interstate-80.

MARCH 19, 2008 | Testimony by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Concerns About Turnpike Lease Misguided

Testimony before the PA House Transportation Committee

Good morning. I am Nathan Benefield, Director of Policy Research for the Commonwealth Foundation. We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research and educational institution based in Harrisburg. I would like to thank the committee for inviting me to speak on this crucial issue.

MARCH 3, 2008 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission vs. PennDOT

Act 44 of 2007 dramatically expanded the scope and power of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) to increase tolls on the 537-mile Turnpike; enter into a lease agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to take control of the 311-mile Interstate 80; begin tolling Interstate 80; and issue $13.8 billion in bonded debt.

OCTOBER 19, 2007 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

I-80 lease signed BEFORE details were finalized?

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, more troubling information was revealed in the ongoing dispute over whether or not the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) were in compliance with Act 44’s deadline for the signing of the lease agreement between the two agencies—an agreement that has still not been released to the public.

OCTOBER 18, 2007 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

I-80 Lease Signed After Deadline

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s statements support Commonwealth Foundation’s assertions
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HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation reasserted its claim that a lease agreement between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to toll Interstate 80 is not in compliance with Act 44 of 2007.

OCTOBER 17, 2007 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

I-80 Lease Non-Compliant with the Law

Governor should declare agreement “null and void,” says Commonwealth Foundation.

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation called on Gov. Ed Rendell and the General Assembly to declare the Interstate-80 lease agreement between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and PennDOT “null and void” because of their clear violation of the law.

AUGUST 6, 2007 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

For Our Safety: Repeal Act 44

Commonwealth Foundation urges Governor and General Assembly to fully fund PA’s transportation infrastructure, protect commuters and taxpayers

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation called on Governor Rendell and the General Assembly to repeal Act 44 of 2007, the recently passed transportation legislation.

JULY 17, 2007 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

PAs Coming Transportation Taxes: When a user fee is a tax

HARRISBURG, PA — Lawmakers in Harrisburg are hailing a budget without tax increases, but the Commonwealth Foundation noted that the effect of the transportation funding proposal will be a significant tax increase on Turnpike and I-80 commuters.

JULY 14, 2007 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Transportation Letter to Gov. Rendell and the General Assembly

CF expresses concerns over transportation bill

July 14, 2007

The Honorable Edward G. Rendell
Office of the Governor
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA 17120

Members of the General Assembly
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA 17120

VIA EMAIL

Dear Gov. Rendell and Members of the General Assembly:

JULY 3, 2007 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Rushed Legislation is Usually Flawed Legislation

Commonwealth Foundation and Reason Foundation urge lawmakers to slow down on the transportation proposal

MEMORANDUM

TO: Members of the Pennsylvania State Senate, Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
FROM: Matthew J. Brouillette, Commonwealth Foundation, and Geoffrey F. Segal, Reason Foundation
CC: Governor Ed Rendell and Members of the Media
DATE: July 3, 2007
RE: Funding PA’s Transportation Infrastructure and Transit System Needs