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For Immediate
Release
10/19/11
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Corman Proposes Transportation
Funding Legislation;
Says Time is Now to Address Road and Bridge Needs
Pennsylvania must act now to repair its crumbling
transportation network, according to Senator Jake Corman (R-34), who today
announced that he will introduce legislation that encompasses many of the
funding recommendations of a state commission appointed by Governor Tom Corbett.
"Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of
structurally deficient bridges, and more than 8,000 miles of highway need to be
repaired or replaced," Corman said. "At this point, the Commonwealth is losing
ground in simply maintaining our current transportation network, let alone
improving infrastructure, adding capacity where necessary, or modernizing to the
needs of state travelers."
Senator Corman's multi-bill legislative package is based
largely on recommendations included in the report issued by the Transportation
Funding Advisory Commission (TFAC), which Governor Corbett created in April to
find solutions to the transportation funding crisis facing the state. To view
the report, go to
http://www.tfac.pa.gov/
"The state will have to invest at
least an additional $2 billion annually to meet our transportation
infrastructure needs, and the cost to repair our infrastructure grows with each
passing year," stated Corman. "We can't continue to ignore these pressing
challenges, which are directly related to public safety and economic
development. Now is the time to act -- the evidence is overwhelming and the
need is there. The only thing holding us back is political fear."
The TFAC report urged PennDOT to consider a number of
measures including adjusting outdated vehicle driver fees for inflation,
increasing fines, uncapping the Oil Company Franchise Tax over five years and
modernizing many PennDOT services for cost savings.
The Corman bill package incorporates most of the
Commission's recommendations, providing a fair, strategic plan for addressing
the transportation funding needs of Pennsylvania. All revenue generated will be
dedicated specifically to transportation projects, which means the money will
stay in Pennsylvania, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
Corman added, "Drivers are already paying for an
underfunded transportation system. Factoring in vehicle damage, time loss due
to a degraded or overcrowded roadways, and reduced options to effectively and
efficiently move products, motorists continue to pay more and get nothing in
return for an overstressed transportation system."
Corman said that funding is badly needed, noting that the
state currently has 50 closed bridges and 650 weight-restricted or posted
bridges – many in rural parts of the state where drivers must make long
detours. Urban and suburban areas are seeing greater road congestion because
money is not available to keep up with traffic needs.
"A safe and reliable transportation network is a core
function of state government and necessary to a strong economy – we have to find
a way to fund our roads and bridges even in these tough fiscal times," Corman
said. "This package provides commonsense, well-thought-out funding mechanisms
that are fair and reasonable. And most important, it will allow us to start
investing in our transportation system now – rather than putting off much-needed
maintenance and construction." CONTACT:
Mark Meyer
(717) 787-1377
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