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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 12, 2015 03:22 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Camera Bartolotta |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | LBFC Study – Taxpayer Costs Associated with Relocating Utilities within PennDOT Projects |
| In the near future, I will introduce a resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to conduct a comprehensive study examining the costs placed on Pennsylvania taxpayers as a result of road projects failing to meet deadlines due to delays associated with the relocation of public utilities. I have heard concerns from various stakeholders, particularly in Western Pennsylvania, that road construction contractors file delay claims with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) if project deadlines are not met. This may occur due to the relocation of pipes, wires or other utility lines which leads to unscheduled delays in the completion of a project. The substantial costs associated with these delay claims are assumed by PennDOT which means other transportation projects are deprived of funds. According to a recent media report, one project in Washington County incurred a delay claim cost of more than $260,000 with another resulting in a claim for $1.3 million. While I recognize the relocation of utilities caused by a construction project can be difficult and present unpredictable challenges, the cost of these delays is significant and warrants a closer examination. Under my resolution, the LBFC will investigate the causes and costs of this problem and make recommendations for the General Assembly to pursue in order to mitigate the issue. This is an issue which has statewide implications and requires additional study in order to ensure taxpayer dollars allocated to road projects are used for their intended purpose. For these reasons, please join me in cosponsoring this resolution. |