Bridge Tolling Sucker Punch for Families Who Need Treatment at Children’s, Ortitay Says
BRIDGEVILLE – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) today expressed outrage about another facet of the proposed tolling of the Interstate 79 bridge near the Bridgeville exit.
In February, PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian unveiled plans to toll nine bridges throughout the Commonwealth, including the I-79 bridge. Since the announcement, many questions and concerns have been raised about the specific bridges chosen, safety, timing of construction and tolling, and the economic impact. Children’s South, a part of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, is located just off the exit.
“Many parents bring their children to Children’s South for a variety of services including rehabilitation, cleft-craniofacial, otolaryngology, oncology, neurology, autism and urgent care,” Ortitay said. “Ms. Gramian’s plan to toll the bridge will just add extra costs to these families who are already facing both emotional and financial challenges and need the world-class care UPMC provides. Finding money to travel roads to get to their medical appointments or to meet urgent care needs is ludicrous. When you rush to put plans out without using due diligence, things like this are missed or, even worse, done purposely. I call on Ms. Gramian to abandon this ill-conceived plan.”
The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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