Pennsylvania Turnpike and highway officials late yesterday filed a new application to install tolls on I-80, setting the stage for a renewed fight over how to fund transportation projects in the state.

The state is seeking permission from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to put tolls on I-80 to help pay for highway, bridge, and mass-transit projects around the state.

In December 2007, the FHWA turned down a similar state request to toll I-80, which runs for 311 miles through northern Pennsylvania. FHWA approval is needed because I-80 was largely built with federal funding as part of the free interstate highway system.

Gov. Rendell met recently with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to lobby for tolls on I-80. State officials hope the Obama administration will grant the permission that the Bush administration would not.

Read the full Inquirer story here

Tags: I-80

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