The Pennsylvania Turnpike

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a series of toll roads. The primary Turnpike highway is also know as I-76 which runs from the west end to the east end of the Commonwealth. There is also the Northeast Extention that goes from Philadelphia to Scranton, also known as I-476 (formerly PA 9). There is also a series of small state numbered roads that also make up the turnpike system. The roads combined are over 500 miles in length.


Governor Rendell has proposed privatizing the entire Turnpike system. This would mean private industry would maintain and repair the roads, tunnel and bridges of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
This will be faced with much opposition, just like privatized the wine and spirit shops. Former Governors Thornburgh and Ridge were blocked from taking that action. Today the Wine and spirit shops are still owned by the state, which is a liquor store to non-Pennsylvanians. Many Pennsylvanians call them "state stores" for that reason. The liquor stores are owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The reason for a "privatized" Pennsylvania Turnpike system is cost cutting.
There are other factors to consider, because many people will oppose it if Foreign based contractors are accepted to do the job. It costs the state $29 million a year, which is what the state contributes to the turnpike commission for state patrols.
I do have a .link to read more on this proposal. I would also like to post other topics on the pros and cons of privatized government services.