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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 27, 2019 12:24 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Kim L. Ward |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Giving Counties More Flexibility to Support Public Transportation |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce enabling legislation to give counties more flexibility to support public transportation in their communities. Public transportation has been supported by the Commonwealth through Act 44 of 2007, which was amended by Act 89 of 2013. Currently, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is required by law to provide $450 million in annual transfer payments through 2022 to support the operating and capital expenditures of public transportation across the state. (From 2023-2057, the transfer payments drop to $50 million annually.) Pending litigation against PTC is holding-up these transfer payments, which is creating uncertainty for public transportation projects and ultimately mobility, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. As a result, my legislation will broaden authority and responsibility for counties to support public transportation in their regions. This legislation is affiliated with the Working Group that I announced on March 20, 2019, to help address the complex issues facing our interconnected transportation system. The Working Group will help to review and prioritize the various options available to counties that require legislative action by the General Assembly. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to give counties more flexibility to support durable investments for the current and future vitality of our public transportation network. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nolan Ritchie, of my staff, at nritchie@pasen.gov. |