Letters: Tolling I-80 is just part of highway funding
Your support for addressing the highway funding gap is welcomed enthusiastically by the highway-building industry ("Taking its toll," Oct. 20). Indeed, tolling Interstate 80 is a crucial piece of the funding puzzle. Additionally, tolls on I-80 would help equalize the cost of moving goods in and out of New York City, alleviating a competitive disadvantage now affecting the Port of Philadelphia.
Your support for addressing the highway funding gap is welcomed enthusiastically by the highway-building industry ("Taking its toll," Oct. 20). Indeed, tolling Interstate 80 is a crucial piece of the funding puzzle. Additionally, tolls on I-80 would help equalize the cost of moving goods in and out of New York City, alleviating a competitive disadvantage now affecting the Port of Philadelphia.
At the same time, it is important to understand that the funding crisis does not end with tolling I-80. Even with that additional revenue, the funding gap would remain substantial.
As the Pennsylvania Economy League noted in its 2006 transportation funding study, a comprehensive solution will likely require multiple funding mechanisms, including increased license and registration fees, higher gasoline taxes, local taxing options, public-private partnerships, and prudent use of debt, in addition to tolling.
The sooner our state and federal governments move toward solving this funding problem, the greater the benefit to everyone.
Robert E. Latham
Executive vice president
Associated Pennsylvania Constructors
Harrisburg
