Today, Congressman Mark Critz provided testimony to the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit (part of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) on the need to repeal the toll credit language in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.  This would allow states to count toll credits as the required state match for new highway construction (i.e. moving the completion of US 219, from Somerset to I-68, forward).

 

“The current transportation law discriminates against the Appalachian region by not allowing states like Pennsylvania to use toll credits to meet the required non-federal share of highway project costs,” said Critz.  “Repealing this section of the law will jumpstart many highway construction projects, including the completion of US 219 between Somerset and Meyersdale, and create thousands of jobs and economic development.”

 

“Congressman Critz's  testimony today to restore the use of toll credits, especially for Route 219 from Somerset to I-68 in Maryland, is another small step toward the completion of not only a highway project, but also an economic development tool for both Somerset and Cambria Counties,” commented John Vatavuk, Somerset County Commissioner.

 

To watch Critz’s remarks, please visit: