For Immediate Release
11/17/08

Senate Republican Transportation Summit Studies Infrastructure, Funding Needs

HARRISBURG – Members of the Senate Republican Caucus sought fiscally responsible alternatives for funding the state's transportation needs during a Transportation Funding Summit in Harrisburg today, according to Committee Chairman Roger Madigan (R-Bradford).

State legislators, local government officials, educators, business owners and representatives of the transportation industry were invited to offer their perspectives on finding the most equitable solutions to finance future transportation improvements.

"Our Commonwealth faces significant challenges in funding our future transportation needs, and it is essential that we look at all possible solutions to these problems," Madigan said. "Today's hearing gave us an opportunity to hear from some of the foremost authorities on transportation issues, and their testimony will be invaluable as we work toward improving our infrastructure and transportation systems."

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler, Interim Director of Penn State University's Larsen Transportation Institute Dr. Martin Pietrucha, and Dr. Jonathan Gifford of the George Mason University School of Public Policy testified that significant funding increases would be needed to keep pace with Pennsylvania's growing transportation needs.

Caucus members voiced concerns that the public would not support additional spending or new taxes, and several advocated for creating a fiscally responsible transportation spending plan with clear objectives that could be easily communicated to the public. Members also said that the state should ensure that the funds already allocated to transportation are being spent efficiently before additional funding is considered.

Business owners and transportation experts expressed concerns over the cost to the economy if the state does not increase transportation spending to make infrastructure improvements.

Contact:

Craig Shuey
(717)787-7305

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