On February 19, 2021. PennDOT announced plans through the P3 program, to fund the replacement of the Interstate 83 "South Bridge" with tolls. The proposed tolls are expected to range between $1-2 per car, and even more for commercial vehicles. Once in place the tolls are expected to remain for 30 years.

This will create a financial burden in excess of $42/month on those who commute this corridor daily. Lower-income individuals will also be disproportionately affected by this unnecessary fee, due to their inability to stretch already tight budgets to accommodate this toll. This will also adversely affect many of the small businesses that are struggling from the pandemic, and could lead to far further job losses in the region. Larger business may also avoid moving to the area, hampering the creation of new, higher paying jobs.

The need for a new, structurally sound bridge, is not in debate. However, the negative effects from the proposed tolls will cause lasting consequences to the immediate community, and the grater Harrisburg area. This is why we are Seeking to have PennDOT drop these Tolling plans during the public comment period. Which ends the Summer of 2021.

We are also asking The State Legislature, and The Governor, to seek alternative means of bridge funding which, whether through Federal sources, or through new legislation, would be less oppressive to lower income, working-class Pennsylvanians. And is fairer to all Pennsylvanians as a whole.