Oct. 28, 2021
HARRISBURG - Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced virtual public and in-person meeting options for community members to discuss the proposed replacement project of the I-83 John Harris Memorial South Bridge. To fund the project, PennDOT has proposed tolling drivers using the commuter bridge, despite the fact that PA already levies the highest gas tax in the country. Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg) has spoken in opposition of this proposed funding and encourages residents to participate in the public meetings.
“Since residents use the I-83 South Bridge multiple times a day, tolling will clearly turn into an expensive and unnecessary fee that many people cannot afford,” Keefer said. “It is inequitable that users who already pay the most expensive gas tax in the country, would have to shoulder another tax in the form of a “user fee,” it’s double taxation. In addition to this double taxation, this funding proposal is compounded by the financial burdens of Harrisburg City workers, as the city was granted 10 additional years to collect an annual $148 local service tax in 2020. I implore residents to participate in these meetings, so their voices can be heard.”
The virtual public meeting is now live and can be accessed by visiting
penndot.gov/i83SouthBridge. The virtual meeting will be available through Nov. 24.
The in-person public meeting dates, times and locations are:
Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 1 – 7 p.m.
Harrisburg Mall,
3501 Paxton St., Harrisburg
Wednesday, Nov. 10, from 1 – 7 p.m.
Penn Harris Hotel,
1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill