Corbett gets funding options for Pa. road, bridge repairs

Gov. Tom Corbett now has a long-awaited report prescribing ways to fix the $2.5 billion shortfall in funding for Pennsylvania bridge and road repairs.

 

Barry Schoch, chairman of the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission, delivered the plan Monday. It includes recommendations for additional fees for drivers, bureaucratic streamlining at PennDOT, and higher fines for moving violations.

There is also a call for the state to install more red-light cameras at intersections.

The report suggests, but does not technically recommend, that the General Assembly pass legislation that allows tolling on state roads.

Many of the pieces of the report can’t be acted on until state lawmakers and the governor approve new laws.

SEPTA applauded the panel’s work.

“Never before has such a large and diverse number of transit interests coalesced in Pennsylvania with a common goal–dedicated and predicable funding into the foreseeable future,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “We believe Gov. Corbett and the state legislature will recognize the benefits of the Transportation Funding Commission’s recommendations, and act accordingly.”

The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, which also supports the plan, was especially enthusiastic about a recommendation that the state fund about $400 million worth of local transportation projects annually.