PHIA News Digest – Vol. 7, No. 17
What the latest U.N. climate report says about transportation
1.5 degrees Celsius. That’s the increase in the Earth’s temperature that scientists have set as the outer limit before climate change starts to radically affect human societies. The UN’s latest report on climate change issued this week found governments aren’t doing nearly enough to avoid this fate.
Route 219 Maryland to Meyersdale connection gets $53 million boost
The Route 219 extension from Meyersdale to Maryland was almost off the table — until $53 million was acquired for pre-construction costs Wednesday.
Gov. Wolf announces 64 transportation projects in 34 counties
Governor Tom Wolf and PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian today announced the approval of funding for 64 projects to improve transportation alternatives and enhance mobility and public accessibility across the state, 43 of which are funded through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
The legislative push to cut PA’s gas tax
According to AAA, the average price per gallon of gas in Pennsylvania is down about 20 cents in the last month. However, the state’s gas tax is still one of the highest in the country.
What to consider before taking off your mask on public transit or planes
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends that people wear masks while on public transportation or airplanes. To add to the confusion, some local transit authorities (like the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority of Philadelphia) have changed their mask mandates after the ruling while others (like the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York City) have kept them intact.
National electric vehicle network channels $25 million to PA infrastructure
In February, President Biden unveiled a $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, a plan that would place charging stations along major interstates, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Now, Pennsylvania leaders are discussing implementation and funding for the network in the state.
SEPTA to pay $9.75 million for property for new Conshohocken train station
On the April 28th agenda for SEPTA’s board is a resolution to authorize the purchase of 6.5 acres on Conshohocken riverfront to construct the new train station and a parking garage. The cost of the property is $9.75 million. In the resolution, the parking garage is stated to be “proposed.”
