Signed by Governor Ed Rendell

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that changes state funding for public transportation systems.

Highlights:

-Requires the Department of Transportation and the Turnpike Commission to enter into a lease regarding Interstate 80 prior to October 15, 2007, which includes the terms and conditions of the conversion of Interstate 80 into a toll road for at least fifty years (Sec. 7). -Distributes $5 million annually to counties as part of the National Bridge Inspection Standards Program (Sec. 7). -Authorizes counties to levy a tax on liquor and malt and brewed beverages and an excise tax on rental vehicles (Sec. 1). -Requires all competitive local transportation contracts to attempt to maximize opportunities for businesses owned by women and minorities and other disadvantaged groups (Sec. 1.1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that changes state funding for public transportation systems.

Highlights:

-Requires the Department of Transportation and the Turnpike Commission to enter into a lease regarding Interstate 80 prior to October 15, 2007, which includes the terms and conditions of the conversion of Interstate 80 into a toll road for at least fifty years (Sec. 7). -Distributes $5 million annually to counties as part of the National Bridge Inspection Standards Program (Sec. 7). -Authorizes counties to levy a tax on liquor and malt and brewed beverages and an excise tax on rental vehicles (Sec. 1). -Requires all competitive local transportation contracts to attempt to maximize opportunities for businesses owned by women and minorities and other disadvantaged groups (Sec. 1.1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that changes state funding for public transportation systems and that makes Interstate 80 a toll road.

Highlights:

- Establishes the Public Transportation Trust Fund for the purpose of assisting local public transportation issues (sec. 2). - Authorizes the Turnpike Commission to “reconstruct, widen, expand, (and) extend” turnpike extensions, in addition to its current authorization to “construct, operate, and maintain” turnpike extensions (sec. 2.4). - Authorizes the Turnpike Commission to operate Interstate 80 within state borders and to convert it to a toll road (sec. 2.6). - Directs the Department of Transportation and the Turnpike Commission to enter into a lease agreement to convert Interstate 80 into a toll road, and requires that the contract be for at least 50 years (sec. 2.6) - Authorizes the Turnpike Commission to perform a study of converting Interstate 95 to a toll road (sec. 2.6).

Full Bill Text