Where it all began
When it comes to understanding Pennsylvania’s highway funding woes, few editorial boards can claim to have a better grasp than that of the Washington Observer-Reporter.
It was in this newspaper’s circulation area that the state’s transportation funding crisis became “official.” In December 2005, a bridge carrying Lakeview Drive traffic collapsed onto Interstate 70 in Washington County, and the funding problem became much more than a few project engineers and construction executives wringing their hands over the shrinking resources of PennDOT. Read more
Higher than expected revenues don’t negate the need for additional transportation investment
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania reported slightly better than expected Motor License Fund (MLF)* collections in September. While this is a welcome and encouraging sign, the MLF is still yielding far less than needed for an adequate highway program. Read more
To be or not to be…that is the question
Two Pennsylvania House members have introduced legislation to address the Commonwealth’s transportation funding problem.
House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) introduced a single bill that would generate an additional $1.3 billion annually for the Commonwealth’s highways and public transit agencies. Evans introduced the bill on behalf of Gov. Ed Rendell. Read more
An offer you can’t refuse
Editorial pages throughout Pennsylvania have become strong advocates for addressing the transportation funding problem. This week, the Harrisburg Patriot-News and Philadelphia Inquirer weighed in on the issue, and both urged the General Assembly to tackle the issue before the situation worsens. Read more
Governor’s poll shows transportation funding support
Gov. Ed Rendell today released results of a poll concluding that an overwhelming number of Pennsylvanians — 95 percent — believe the quality of the transportation infrastructure matters to the state’s economy. Another 87 percent are concerned about the condition of roads and bridges, including 51 percent who are very or extremely concerned. The poll also found that Pennsylvanians were willing to support revenue options that will increase funding to meet those transportation needs. To view the entire news release, click here.
Rendell hits the road for transportation solution
Gov. Ed Rendell completed a four-day, statewide bus tour last week to drum up support for a solution to Pennsylvania’s transportation funding problem. Read more
Rendell goes on the road to promote additional transportation funding
Want to see additional transportation funds enacted this fall? Well, now is your chance to help make that less of a vision and more of a reality. Read more
Rendell: Funding solution can’t wait any longer
Governor Rendell testified before the Senate Transportation Committee this week, urging the General Assembly to work to meet road, bridge and transit funding challenges this year. The Governor said that with a little hard work this summer, legislative leaders can solve Pennsylvania’s transportation funding problem. Read more
AASHTO report examines freight system
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials received widespread attention last week for a report concluding that freight demands in America are reaching crisis proportions. Read more
Analysis shows gas taxes lowest ever
When inflation and improved gas mileage are factored in, motorists today are paying half the gasoline taxes that they paid in 1975, according to a USA Today analysis. The story is a must-read for anyone who wonders why our transportation infrastructure is crumbling. To view the article, click here.
