(Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski) A study conducted by college professors concludes that the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s value is highest by not leasing it to a private company.

A recent report by Penn State and Harvard university professors shows the Pennsylvania Turnpike is most valuable to the state as-is, at the same time the Rendell administration supports leasing it to a private company, similar to billion-dollar deals in other states and around the world.

A deal would put a company, or team of companies, in charge of maintenance and operations, while the state still owns the 530 miles of east-west toll road.

Gov. Ed Rendell has said he supports repealing Act 44, the law enacted last year to allow tolls on Interstate 80, in exchange for a turnpike lease. His condition is the lease must bring enough money to address road, bridge and public transit funding problems.

The lease is among the various options as Pennsylvania lawmakers face implementing change to increase revenue for transportation.

While some agree with a lease, many worry about the length of the lease and higher tolls.