The Pennsylvania Turnpike is the most famous tolled highway in the US. Photo: Rick Tisch
The 2764 International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is giving its backing to strong investment in US infrastructure. In a speech delivered to IBTTA members at the recent Legislative Conference, former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell urged US Congress to pass a highway bill that expands the use of tolling, TIFIA, and public-private partnerships. "This is a critical time for our country," he said. "The conditions could not be better than they are right now for investing in infrastructure."
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and it holds an important place in the highway sector, with its events attracting prime speakers such as Rendell. He suggested a clear path for the future and continued, "There are several things we can do to improve our infrastructure. First, we need to get rid of the prohibition on tolling the interstates. Second, we need to quintuple the size of TIFIA. TIFIA is a loan programme. It does a tremendous amount of good in helping to bring infrastructure projects to completion. We must grow it. And third, we need more Build America Bonds. These are commonsense things we must do now to grow our economy and create jobs."
Rendell's speech was forthright and his message was direct. "We can do so many things that don't have a big price tag," said Rendell as he reflected on his experience as Pennsylvania governor. When I was governor, we tried to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike but the state legislature wouldn't allow it. Had we succeeded, we would have received a payment of US$12.5 billion to invest in Pennsylvania infrastructure. And the state would still control the frequency of toll increases and the way the turnpike is maintained. The next highway bill must clear the way for more expansive use of PPPs and lift the prohibition on tolling interstate highways," Rendell said. "A lot of people think it's okay to stop investing because we're in a recession. That's wrong. If we stop investing in infrastructure, even in a recession, then our nation is cooked. We can't grow our economy, we can't grow jobs, and we can't grow our country if we don't invest in infrastructure. You will never convince the Congress directly that they should either increase gas taxes or allow tolling on the interstates. Therefore, you have to convince the hometown. When the folks from home reassure their members of Congress that they won't be thrown out of office because they supported commonsense things like expanded use of tolling to improve infrastructure and create jobs, that's when things will change. Rendell concluded, "We need a public education campaign. When you invest in infrastructure, you grow the economy and create jobs. It's as simple as that." Edward G Rendell served two terms as chief executive of the sixth-most-populous state and oversaw a $28.3 billion state budget. As governor, he was a staunch advocate for strategic investments to develop Pennsylvania's economy.
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and it holds an important place in the highway sector, with its events attracting prime speakers such as Rendell. He suggested a clear path for the future and continued, "There are several things we can do to improve our infrastructure. First, we need to get rid of the prohibition on tolling the interstates. Second, we need to quintuple the size of TIFIA. TIFIA is a loan programme. It does a tremendous amount of good in helping to bring infrastructure projects to completion. We must grow it. And third, we need more Build America Bonds. These are commonsense things we must do now to grow our economy and create jobs."
Rendell's speech was forthright and his message was direct. "We can do so many things that don't have a big price tag," said Rendell as he reflected on his experience as Pennsylvania governor. When I was governor, we tried to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike but the state legislature wouldn't allow it. Had we succeeded, we would have received a payment of US$12.5 billion to invest in Pennsylvania infrastructure. And the state would still control the frequency of toll increases and the way the turnpike is maintained. The next highway bill must clear the way for more expansive use of PPPs and lift the prohibition on tolling interstate highways," Rendell said. "A lot of people think it's okay to stop investing because we're in a recession. That's wrong. If we stop investing in infrastructure, even in a recession, then our nation is cooked. We can't grow our economy, we can't grow jobs, and we can't grow our country if we don't invest in infrastructure. You will never convince the Congress directly that they should either increase gas taxes or allow tolling on the interstates. Therefore, you have to convince the hometown. When the folks from home reassure their members of Congress that they won't be thrown out of office because they supported commonsense things like expanded use of tolling to improve infrastructure and create jobs, that's when things will change. Rendell concluded, "We need a public education campaign. When you invest in infrastructure, you grow the economy and create jobs. It's as simple as that." Edward G Rendell served two terms as chief executive of the sixth-most-populous state and oversaw a $28.3 billion state budget. As governor, he was a staunch advocate for strategic investments to develop Pennsylvania's economy.
