Posted on 07/21/2010 10:03:39 AM PDT by Willie Green
HARRISBURG — Gov. Ed Rendell today called it a "distinct possibility" that he would again dip into federal highway funds to support mass transit if the Legislature fails to enact higher fees and taxes to plug the state's transportation needs.
The state needs $475 million just to fill the gap left by the federal government's decision not to toll Interstate 80, but Rendell told a Senate panel the actual need is more than $3 billion a year. "I'd like to do the whole shooting match," Rendell said when asked what level of funding he is seeking.
The state's transportation system is in dire need with crumbling bridges and poor road conditions in many areas, the governor said.
But if the Legislature in an election year delays a decision about raising the gas tax, or motorists' registration and license fees, Rendell said there is a strong chance he would "flex" federal highway funds to bail out mass transit. His testimony came before the Senate Transportation Committee. It is unusual for a governor to testify before the Legislature.
(Excerpt) Read more at pittsburghlive.com ...
Rendell threatens to do such if he does not get the INCREASED taxes, etc. he is asking for? Is not the Penn. Turnpike already the highest tolls in the US? =.=
Wow, PA has transportation needs? I have watched them resurface I-83 every year for 20 years. Not that it needed it, but Hazelton, Wilkes-Barre, and Scanton needed to spread some wealth around. Funny thing about PA, it doesn’t actually grow, but merely treads water. I wonder why?
Ed Rendell makes me sick. Why don’t you cut the waste, Eddie? You’d never consider that. No, just raise the taxes and fees on us commoners.
How about something radical - charging transit riders what it actually costs to run the system?
Who needs the Penna. Turnpike when you have I-80 to the north or I-70, I-79, I-68, I-70 again, I-695 and I-95 in the south?
lulz.....can I safely assert Rendell is a libtard, Obama shoelicking idiot?
It always has been and it always will be.
But I guess it's no surprise when thieves start stealing stolen money.
Agreed. If riders of the system actually paid the true costs, then there would be more pressure on these systems to find ways to save money.
I cannot wait to get rid of rendell.
Few would pay the true costs ;without subsidies mass transit seldom works.
We use the NE extension of the turnpike alot. Not sure what route you would use to get from Scranton/Wilkes Barre to Philly. It is faster than any other way!
Didn’t a bridge collapse in Minnesota as a result of state officials raiding their federal highway money and using it for social programs instead?
Take the NE Extension to Allentown, take US 22 East to PA 33 North to I-80, then take I-80 west to I-380 North.
if I understand correctly, Rendell is saying he intends to commit a FEDERAL CRIME??
Early in his administration a wise pundit said that Ed Rendell’s biggest problem was that he had never met a CONSERVATIVE Republican until he got to Harrisburg. (just those Mainline Arlen Specter types around Philly)
And they have given him tons of heartburn over the past 8 years. Hang in there, guys! Don’t let Fast Eddie have one more dime of our money!
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