12/10/07-Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, has unveiled a proposal to lessen the burden of tolls for residents in the state.
With plans moving forward to convert Interstate 80 into a toll road, Conklin wants to offset some of the added expense of more toll miles in the state. He is pursing a measure that would allow for tax credits of up to $500 for state residents using the E-ZPass electronic tolling system.
Tor Michaels, a spokesman for Conklin, told Land Line the tax credits would be available for motorists from the state and Pennsylvania-based truck drivers.
Gov. Ed Rendell signed a bill into law this summer authorizing tolls on I-80. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission was given permission to erect 10 toll barriers along the 313-mile east-west route.
However, it is not a done deal. The federal government is required to authorize the state to convert the existing road into a “pay-as-you-go” route.
With approval pending, the turnpike commission signed a lease in mid-October to take operational control of I-80 from PennDOT with the intention of converting the interstate into a toll road.
Conklin’s bill could draw consideration during the regular session that begins Jan. 1.