Delozier Reacts to I-83 Bridge Tolling Plan

February 19, 2021

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) issued the following statement in reaction to PennDOT’s announcement of its intent to pursue tolling select bridges across the Commonwealth, including the Interstate 83 bridge that crosses the Susquehanna River, often referred to as the South Bridge: 
 
“After first learning of this proposal Wednesday night, I didn’t need a great deal of time to assemble an extensive list of questions for the PennDOT representative with whom I spoke in advance of Thursday afternoon’s announcement. My concerns no doubt mirror those of most of my constituents who operate many of the estimated 125,000 vehicles that drive across the South Bridge each workday.  
 
“Please remember this is a merely a proposal which, if enacted, would not begin for another 3-4 years. At first blush, I’m not in favor of hitting motorists with another charge motorists who in some instances pay three times more in LST (Local Services Tax) than the rest of Pennsylvania for the ‘privilege’ of working in the City of Harrisburg. PennDOT has a serious financial problem and options we need to explore the options.
 
“The plan sounds fiscally responsible in that tolling revenue would be dedicated to sustenance of our local South Bridge. That said, we were once told expanded gambling would be dedicated to provide property tax relief.”
 
“In offering an alternative, I suggest serious examination of how we fund transportation. I support the Pennsylvania State Police, but also know we use Motor License fund money to finance this branch of law enforcement. That must change in a revenue-neutral manner. The increased use of electric vehicles, coupled with greater gas mileage attained by current vehicles, has undoubtedly resulted in reduced revenue from the Gas Tax. But PennDOT does themselves no favors when it says in its PowerPoint presentation that ‘we are headed toward zero gas tax revenue.’ 
 
“Too many times government asks our taxpayers to pay more and right now, they don’t have more. In addition, after the latest governor’s budget proposal to significantly increase taxes, this proposal is simply one more worry for our local families.”

Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Delozier’s district office at 717-761-4665.


Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5967 (cell)
slittle@pahousegop.com
RepDelozier.com / Facebook.com/RepDelozier