2/22/08-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would privatize the Pennsylvania Turnpike in three sections to help pay for road and bridge work throughout the state.
Sponsored by Sen. John Gordner, R-Berwick, SB1280 also would repeal a seven-month-old law that authorized the state to pursue charging car and truck drivers to use Interstate 80.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the state Department of Transportation are seeking federal approval to convert I-80 into a “pay-as-you-go” route as authorized by legislation approved in July 2007. The U.S. DOT is reviewing the state’s application.
The bill would authorize the state to auction the 530-mile turnpike in three parts to private American-based and majority American-owned companies. The roadway would be divided from the Ohio line east to Harrisburg and from Harrisburg east to the New Jersey line. The Northeast extension, which stretches from Norristown to Scranton, would be the third part.
For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.

2/8/08-Sen. John Gordner, R-Berwick, has introduced a bill that would privatize the Pennsylvania Turnpike in three sections to help pay for road and bridge work throughout the state.
SB1280 also would repeal a seven-month-old law that authorized the state to pursue charging car and truck drivers to use Interstate 80.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the state Department of Transportation are seeking federal approval to convert I-80 into a “pay-as-you-go” route as authorized by legislation approved in July 2007. The U.S. DOT is reviewing the state’s application.
The bill would authorize the state to auction the 530-mile turnpike in three parts to private American-based and majority American-owned companies. The roadway would be divided from the Ohio line east to Harrisburg and from Harrisburg east to the New Jersey line. The Northeast extension, which stretches from Norristown to Scranton, would be the third part.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Senate. For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.