$2.3 Billion Transportation Funding Plan Now On Governor's Desk

House Bill 1060 (Pyle-R-Armstrong), that would raise $2.3 billion in transportation funding by FY 2017-18-- $1.3 billion for highways and bridges, at least $480 million for mass transit and $144 million for a new Multimodal Transportation Fund, is now on the Governor's desk for action and he announced plans to sign the bill next week.

The new Intermodal Fund will providing $8 million in annual funding for rail freight projects by FY 2014-15 and $2 million annually for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, among other purposes.  The bill includes a provision consolidating PennDOT deputates and creates a Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation.

The plan includes a $30 million increase to the Dirt and Gravel Road Program bringing the total funding to $35 million annually-- $28 million to the State Conservation Commission and $7 million to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Fish and Boat Commission will receive funds from the Oil Company Franchise Tax based on the amount of fuel used by power motorboats.

The plan also establishes a new $2/sticker fee for vehicles exempt from the vehicle emissions testing program which drive fewer than 5,000 miles a year.
A House Fiscal Note (better one) and Senate Fiscal Note summary of the bill are available.