Governor Rendell is proposing to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a Spanish corporation for 75 years. This is the largest privatization deal in United States history. Pennsylvania taxpayers paid for the construction of the turnpike and our tolls have paid for its upkeep and maintenance. With this privatization scheme:
• Tolls will rise by 25% immediately and then will rise by the level of inflation each year. This means our tolls could double in as little as 10 years.
• Higher tolls will force truckers and other drivers will take to PA’s side roads to save money
• Repairs and maintenance will deteriorate. The new Turnpike manager, Abertis Infraestructuras will focus on profits instead of keeping a quality highway.
• Turnpike revenues will flow to billionaire investors in Spain instead of staying in Pennsylvania to fund our own highways and bridges.
• Pennsylvanians will lose control over the Turnpike. Decisions will be made in a corporate boardroom in Europe instead of by elected and appointed Pennsylvanians.
Polls show that a majority of Pennsylvanians oppose this deal. Still, the Governor and many legislators are trying to force this deal down our throats.
Don’t let them lease our future. Tell Governor Rendell and your legislators to stop the Turnpike Privatization Deal.
We can stop the plan to privatize our Turnpike and turn it over to a Spanish corporation.
Sign this petition today to protect our future.
Dear Governor Rendell and Members of the General Assembly,
We, as concerned citizens in Pennsylvania, support the continued ownership and management of the Pennsylvania Turnpike by the citizens of Pennsylvania. We call for you to oppose turning over our public assets to corporate control.
