Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee Moves $2.5 Billion Funding Proposal Forward

AASHTO Journal, 10 May 2013

The Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee this week approved by a vote of 13-1 a new $2.5 billion plan to fund transportation projects throughout the state. The plan, sponsored by committee Chair John Rafferty, will now move forward for a full Senate vote.

“Providing a safe and reliable transportation network is crucial to public safety and economic development. We can’t put off projects—the time to address our infrastructure needs is now,” Rafferty said in a statement. “This legislation offers a strategic and long-term solution to funding transportation projects that are vital to our state’s future. I’m pleased at the bipartisan support that the bill received in this committee and look forward to bringing it up for a full Senate vote.”

The additional $2.5 billion outlined in the transportation plan comes from eliminating price caps on the wholesale fuel tax, increases in driver’s license and vehicle registration fees, and fine increases. The funding will help the state address the approximately 4,400 structurally deficient bridges and 44,000 miles of state-owned roads (about 23 percent) in poor condition, among other transportation projects.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch told news outlet PennLive that the transportation plan’s approval by the committee was “another step in the process” and that he was pleased with the result.

Schoch also told PennLive that PennDOT would soon post a list online outlining the projects that would receive funding from this plan to help build community support. A vote by the full Senate on this matter could happen next month. ​​

This entry was posted in General News, Legislative / Political, News. Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.