PA State Senator Unveils $2.5 Billion State Transportation Bill

Earlier today, Senator John Rafferty (R-Chester/Mont/Berks Counties), unveiled his proposal for raising $2.5 billion annually to fund the state's highways, bridges, airports, mass transit, ports, rail freight, and walking and biking routes. His proposal would boost funding for highways/bridges and mass transit by 50% over what Governor Corbett proposed in February.

When the plan is fully phased in its fifth year, this is how the $2.5 billion raised from tax and vehicle fee increases would be divided:

• Approximately $1.9 billion for state and local highways and bridges.
• Approximately $510 million for Pennsylvania's 36 urban and rural transit agencies.
• Approximately $115 million for railways, airports, ports and bicycle and pedestrian programs (emphasis added).

Our executive director Alex Doty, who also serves on the board of PA Walks and Bikes, attended the press conference and praised the comprehensive bill for including biking and walking. He commented, "We are extremely pleased that biking and walking is included in this comprehensive transportation bill. This is a great chance to make Pennsylvania's streets safer for the increasing number of Pennsylvanians who are walking and biking to work, school and for exercise."

Today's event was covered by AP, CBS, Philly.com, TribLive, and Morning Call.