Gov. Rendell to speak about Pa. plans for 1-80 tolls

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Ed Rendell is calling a news conference to talk about Pennsylvania’s plans for Interstate 80.

Rendell’s press secretary Gary Tuma would not say what the governor plans to say at the late afternoon event today.

Pennsylvania has asked federal highway authorities for permission to turn I-80 into a toll road as a way to raise an extra $450 million a year for highways and bridges. The Federal Highway Administration is not saying whether it has made a decision on the application.

Legislators and members of Congress from northern Pennsylvania have largely opposed the move as an unfair burden on residents and businesses there.

If the plan is rejected, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission could continue borrowing the money for three more years as it is currently doing.