The legislation that would permit tolls on Rte 80 has been signed by Governor Ed Rendell, but who knows if and when it will go into action. Ten expected toll booths could be placed in Monroe County. Funds from these tolls, as well as funds from the turnpike tolls, will go towards repairs for roads and bridges, as well as mass transit upgrades. State Representative Mario Scavello, R-176, is very much against this legislation due to the fact that most of the funds generated from these tolls will go to urban areas. He feels that the legislature should have voted to put the tolls near I-95 outside of Philadelphia, where most of the funds will most likely go. Before any tolls can be put into place, federal officials have to complete a detailed study and highway officials have to approve of it. Scavello also feels that the revenue that could be generated from the high traffic of tourists that come through this area who, would also pay these tolls, will be too tempting to pass up.

However, State Representative John Siptroth, D-189, feels the tolls would be a positive thing. He feels that instead of a 12-cent increase in gas prices, the tolls were a better option. He also feels that the revenue generated from these tolls (roughly 750 million dollars in additional revenue) will benefit roads, bridges, and mass transit systems all over the state.

Commissioners Chairwoman Donna Asure also has concerns towards the idea of a toll plaza within Monroe County. She feels that the presence of a toll plaza will divert tractor trailers to already crowded secondary roads in an attempt to avoid the toll plaza. Asure is worried this will cause more problems regarding traffic and create more roadways that need to be repaired from use. Commissioner Robert Northstein also share these concerns.

Representative Scavello feels that the state should take another look at its budget and figure out why we need to generate more revenue for roadways when there is already a budget appropriated.

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