HARRISBURG — Gov. Ed Rendell says the federal government's rejection of Pennsylvania's application to toll Interstate 80 will stall work on valuable transportation projects.

Rendell said Tuesday he will call a special session of the Legislature to find a way to replace the $450 million-plus per year that tolls were to produce for highways, bridges and mass transit systems.

Rendell lobbied heavily for the application and says he disagrees with the federal government's reasons for rejecting it.

Transportation funding will drop sharply in July without the I-80 tolls.

Rendell encouraged legislators to put aside partisan differences and act right away.

The decision was a victory for many lawmakers and congressmen across northern Pennsylvania who had opposed the idea as an unfair burden on the residents and businesses they represent.