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Pennsylvania trims transportation funding

As Gov. Ed Rendell is calling for lawmakers to gather to discuss transportation funding, the Pennsylvania Transportation Commission has announced plans to cut spending by 24 percent.

The commission announced Thursday, Aug. 12, that the updated 12-year transportation program will have to make do with one-quarter less funding than was anticipated a year ago. Funding for roads, bridges, transit, rail and air improvements will all take a hit.

Effective Oct. 1, the new plan anticipates $51.6 billion being available during the next 12 years. The updated plan is well below the $67.9 billion outlined in the 2009 plan update.

The latest update to the 12-year program estimates $10.2 billion for roads and bridges during the first four years – $2 billion less than a year ago. Transit would get $6.3 billion – $1.2 billion less than a year ago – aviation is in line for $602 million and rail would get $228 million.

PennDOT Secretary Allen Biehler said that with uncertainty about federal funding, inflation and a lack of additional resources has “squeezed” the revised plan. To make matters worse, he said Congress has yet to enact a new six-year transportation authorization bill.

“Pennsylvania is falling far short of making the needed investments just to keep our system in a state of good repair,” Biehler said in a statement. “The reductions outlined in the new 12-year program are a dramatic example of where we are headed.”

Rendell is urging state lawmakers to return to Harrisburg Aug. 23 to hammer out a deal on transportation funding. The governor has said he would sign legislation sent to him that would boost the fuel tax and increase drivers’ fees.

Before Pennsylvania resorts to reaching deeper into the pockets of taxpayers, OOIDA Director of Legislative Affairs Mike Joyce said the state should first take steps to ensure that the revenue already coming in is used for its intended purpose.

“It is vital that Pennsylvania take more cautious steps than in the past to address infrastructure needs. It starts with a responsible use of the resources they already have,” Joyce said.

With the fall elections looming and a new governor poised to take office in January, legislative leaders have indicated that any long-term solutions to fund transportation projects are likely to be delayed until next year.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Pennsylvania, click here .

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected] .

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