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Senate, House Transportation Hearing Points To Need For Immediate Action
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Following the conclusion of a two-day joint House and Senate Transportation Committee hearing, Rep. Rick Geist (R-Blair), Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, said Wednesday there must be no more hesitation on tackling the problems that exist in Pennsylvania's infrastructure.
"Transportation and infrastructure are huge engines that drive the economy of our Commonwealth, and we need to get to work making major improvements if we are to see a sustained recovery," said Rep. Geist. "The Transportation Funding Advisory Commission (TFAC) report is crystal clear in its conclusion that we can no longer wait on this issue without continuing to cause damage to our Commonwealth. I believe that having the committees of both legislative chambers come together and consider this report is a good step, but we need Governor Tom Corbett to step up and tell us what he wants on this issue and to what he will agree. The sooner that happens, the better for everyone involved."
The joint hearing featured testimony on the TFAC report, which places the transportation funding gap in Pennsylvania at $3.5 billion for state and local highway maintenance, construction and mass transit. The report identified areas where cost efficiency needs to be improved, but also made recommendations to raise $2.5 billion in revenue.
The commission put forward these recommendations to generate revenue:
-- Cap the amount of revenue from the Motor License Fund used to fund state police operations, and gradually shift $300 million to the General Fund;
-- Increase vehicle and driver fees to inflation level, at 3 percent per year and phase in for commercial vehicles more than 26,000 pounds;
-- Gradually uncap the Oil Company Franchise Tax over a five-year period;
-- Increase fees and fines that go to the Motor License Fund;
-- Implement cost savings resulting from modernization;
-- Restructure the Act 44 funding mechanism to increase public transit funding by $200 million per year;
-- Dedicate 2 percent of the overall revenue generated from the existing sales tax to public transit; and
-- Give local transit agencies the option to raise revenues locally.
"There has been no lack of ideas put forward and there are many that can be implemented, but the paralysis on this issue that we have currently is unacceptable," said Rep. Geist. "I have put forward many proposals to improve our transportation landscape in Pennsylvania, and I continue to be willing to work with everyone involved to get us moving forward. This joint hearing was a step in the right direction, but it is time for action."
Rep. Michael McGeehan (D-Philadelphia) serves as Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee.
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10/3/2011 |
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