HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Pennsylvania Constructors commended Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre County) today for taking the initiative in addressing the state's transportation funding problem.  

Senator Corman announced that he intends to introduce a package of bills that will incorporate most of the recommendations by Gov. Tom Corbett's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission.

"We have been behind the TFAC recommendations from the beginning," said Robert Latham, APC executive vice president, who served on the TFAC.  "We hope that the General Assembly and the administration will advance this important initiative and address the state's well documented funding gap."

Latham noted that the TFAC funding plan would create tens of thousands of jobs in Pennsylvania, mostly in industries other than highway construction, while providing the improved safety and congestion relief that Pennsylvanians want.

He said he recognizes the importance of reducing the costs of providing transportation services as a way to address the funding gap.  "The TFAC plan includes a series of 'modernization' strategies aimed at making PennDOT, the Turnpike Commission, and local transit agencies more efficient," Latham said.

He also noted that the proposed additional costs to an average driver – 70 cents a week the first year, growing to $2.50 per week by the fifth year – would be less than what many drivers now pay in gas wasted by traffic congestion and the increased maintenance costs associated with driving on deteriorating roads and bridges.

"Under the TFAC plan, the cost is shared equally across all areas of the state, as well as with drivers from other states who use Pennsylvania's highways," Latham said.  "It's fair, it's affordable, and it's as close to a comprehensive solution as we have seen in many, many years."

SOURCE Associated Pennsylvania Constructors

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