Lawmaker Introduces Rest Area Commercialization Bill

Yesterday, Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced legislation (H.R. 1990) that would permit commercial services such as convenience stores and restaurants at Interstate rest areas. PMAA is concerned that interstate-based motor fuel retailers will be unable to compete with commercialized rest areas, which are conveniently located on the highway right-of-way, and would create a de facto monopoly in favor of businesses operated out of rest areas. Interstate rest area commercialization would destroy the property tax base of local governments (for a short-term gain in state revenue) and put many retailers out of business.

In the 2012 transportation bill, a Senate amendment seeking to overturn the prohibition on commercial rest areas was overwhelmingly defeated by a vote of 86-12. Today, PMAA, along with like-minded groups, sent a letter to the Chair and Ranking member of the House Transportation Committee opposing rest area commercialization. Click here to read the letter.