The chairman of a Pennsylvania House panel said he would halt action on two measures that would block a 42 percent increase in turnpike tolls set to take effect in August, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

Rep. Paul Clymer, R-Perkasie, heard testimony March 10 from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission about why revenue from the increase is needed to rebuild or repair major sections of roadway and bridges along the entire length of the 359-mile main line.

Following the turnpike officials’ plea, Clymer, head of the State Government Committee, said he had no plans to allow bills by Rep. Jeff Habay, R-Shaler, and Rep. Joseph Petrarca, D-Vandergrift, to leave the committee and go to the full House for consideration.

Habay’s bill – HB2404 – would impose a moratorium on the upcoming toll increases, which were approved by the Turnpike Commission in January.

Petrarca’s bill – HB2343 – would make all turnpike toll increases subject to approval by the General Assembly.

Turnpike Executive Director Joseph Brimmeier said the commission needs $3.3 billion for repairs, improvements and reconstruction.

The commission now has only $1.2 billion available, which equates to about four miles per year of the road being rebuilt, the newspaper reported. With the money from the toll increase, about 13 to 15 miles of roadway and bridges can be rebuilt per year.

Projects to be funded with increased toll revenue include a new bridge over the Allegheny River and reconstruction of 10 miles at the turnpike’s western end, starting at the Ohio line.