We’ve received a number of transportation news links worthy of mention this week, so we will mention them:
Leading the pack with a most important item, dockworkers at 36 ports from Maine to Texas went on strike this week, including in Philadelphia, then turned around and suspended the walkout when management increased the wage offer. Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association are concerned about automation, which could lead to job loss. Wages and healthcare are also issues, and the union extended its current contract to January to give negotiators more time. J.P. Morgan estimated that a strike that shuts down East and Gulf Coast ports could cost the economy $3.8 billion to $4.5 billion per day.
State Rep. Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia), who chairs the House Transportation Committee, sounded the bell for increased transportation funding, reflecting on the importance of funding all modes of transportation – not just bridges and highways, but also public transportation, air and sea ports, and infrastructure to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. PHIA is among the parties working to address transportation needs.
Governor Shapiro tapped Douglas Farnham, founder/CEO of Farnham & Pfile Engineering Inc. in Monessen, Westmoreland County, to serve on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. His company has been a recognized leader in the design, construction and repair of coal processing plants. He also created Vision 4 Pa, which promotes a clean energy future from fossil fuels produced in Pennsylvania.
And finally, PennDOT announced that no other state repaired as many bridges last year as Pennsylvania. There were 90 fewer bridges with at least one structural element in poor condition this year than last, the biggest drop of any other state, new Federal Highway Administration figures show.