Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Comprehensive Transportation Funding Bill
The Pennsylvania Senate overwhelmingly passed Senate Bill 1 this week which represents the most significant piece of transportation funding legislation to be voted on by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in nearly 16 years.
The full Senate approved Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Chairman John Rafferty (R-Chester/Montgomery), by a 45-5 margin. The bill would provide an additional $2.5 billion annually to the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure. The bill now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives.
As reported earlier, Senate Bill 1 closely mirrors the recommendations of the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission (TFAC) and embodies the principles of a multi-modal, comprehensive funding package as endorsed by the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition (KTFC). Senate Bill 1 would be the first major funding enhancement since 1997. The industry will be working diligently with the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition (KTFC), the General Assembly, and the Administration as the legislation develops into a final package.
The Senate made some changes to the bill since it’s original introduction in April. The significant changes are as follows:
- Provides a replacement for revenue lost when Act 44 expires in the bill by drawing on a portion of sales taxes derived from the sale of motor vehicles;
- Increased allocations to a newly created Multi-Modal Fund which can be used for Commonwealth rail freight, rail passenger, ports, bicycle, and pedestrian needs;
- Establishes a grant program for public transit agencies that wish to convert facilities to be able to use CNG fuel; and
- Increase allocations to the state’s Dirt and Gravel Road Program.
To view PHIA’s article on the committee passage of the bill, click HERE.
To view the most recent version of SB 1, click HERE.
