Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Signs Comprehensive Transportation Legislation

Bipartisan Support Fuels Needed Bridge, Road Repairs and Upgrades; Funds Transit Systems

POTTERS MILLS, Pa., Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today signed into law House Bill 1060, Pennsylvania's most comprehensive piece of state transportation legislation in decades.

The transportation package will keep Pennsylvania safe and economically competitive by investing an additional $2.3 to $2.4 billion into the state's roads and bridges by the fifth year of the plan and providing funding for transit systems across the state.

Corbett signed the bill today in Centre County. He was joined by supporters of the bill, local legislators and other dignitaries. 

"Today I put my signature on Pennsylvania's passport for the future," Corbett said. "Through bipartisan spirit and an agreement that crossed party lines it shows that Pennsylvania is a state in which moderation, careful thought and good faith still play a large role in how we govern. Pennsylvania is a state that puts progress ahead of party lines with a common goal of serving our citizens.''

"This is an investment in the safety of our citizens and the progress of our economy. It will create more jobs and keep Pennsylvanians moving across safe, world-class highways and bridges," Corbett said.

By the fifth year of the plan, the transportation package will invest an additional:

• $1.3 billion annually for state roads and bridges;
• $480 million to $495 million annually for public transportation;
• $237 million annually for local roads and bridges;
• $144 million annually in a multi-modal fund;
• $30 million annually for dirt, gravel and low-volume roadways; and
• $86 million annually for Pennsylvania Turnpike expansion projects.

Partial funding for the new transportation package is being derived from the elimination of the flat 12-cent gas tax and modernizing an outdated transportation financing structure through the uncapping of the wholesale, Oil Company Franchise Tax. 

Pennsylvania law states that revenues from fuel taxes must be directed to highway and bridge-related costs and state police patrol functions and not used for any other purpose.

Many road and bridge projects are slated to start next spring. Also, because of this investment, transit systems in the state will continue to be able to operate without interruption.

"Because we worked together, we can now put shovels in the ground and rebuild our transportation system," Corbett said. "The men and women who stood for this bill understand that compromise is not surrender, but rather a path to success."  

For more information on transportation funding and to view a comprehensive list of transportation projects, visit www.dot.state.pa.us.

Media contacts: 
Steve Chizmar, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116
Rich Kirkpatrick, PennDOT; 717-783-8800

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor