IBTTA Lauds Shuster’s Statement that all Options on the Table to Address Our Nation’s Funding Challenges
WASHINGTON, DC – The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association, (IBTTA) the world’s leading association representing America’s toll operators and facilities, today congratulated U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA) on his appointment as Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the 113th Congress.
In the letter sent to the incoming Chairman today, Patrick Jones, IBTTA’s Executive
Director and CEO writes:
As you would expect, our industry strongly endorses your recent observation that “we’ve got to figure out a way to finance the system, and it needs to be done in a fiscally sound way.” Your recent statement about all options being on the table also encourages us when it comes to funding to address our country’s transportation challenges. More specifically, this is why we were very pleased to see you include tolling in the toolbox of options for financing our highways and keeping America moving. With 5,431 miles of toll roads across the country, 30.8 million electronic tolling transponders in use, and five billion trips per year on tolled roads and crossings, user financing is a practical, proven option that can help you navigate the challenging fiscal climate in which the next Congress will convene.
When U.S. Rep. Shuster laid out his agenda last week, he indicated that he is open to every approach when it comes to funding, including tolling. In the letter, Jones highlights a recent Reason Foundation study that suggests that revenue collection through a fully developed all-electronic tolling system is no less cost-efficient than the gas tax.
“Challenging times can also be tremendously interesting and present unique opportunities, and we look forward to working alongside you and the Committee to support our country’s transportation needs,” Jones concludes in the letter.
To read the entire letter sent to incoming Chairman Shuster, please click here.
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The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the worldwide association representing toll facility owners and operators and the businesses that serve them. Its mission is to advance toll-financed transportation. As the world’s leading resource for America’s highways and tollways, the association engages thousands of transportation professionals from toll agencies, concessionaires, and allied businesses through educational meetings, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. Founded in 1932, IBTTA has members in more than 20 countries on six continents.