Gov. Corbett Ceremonially Signs Transportation Bill in Norristown Area

Written by Nicole Foulke 

Governor Tom Corbett appeared in Norristown on Monday to ceremonially sign into law a historic transportation funding bill that is said to be the most all-inclusive transportation legislation in that has been passed in decades, according to a media release from PennDOT.

The law, House Bill 1060, will inject $2.3 to $2.4 billion into Pennsylvania’s system of transportation by plan’s fifth year.

“Earlier today I signed a truly bipartisan bill that will keep our families safe, create good paying jobs and keep Pennsylvania moving,” said the Governor. “Our elected officials put partisanship aside and, unlike Washington, we proved that by working together we can deliver and bring the quality transportation system that Pennsylvanians expect and deserve. Smoother roads, safer bridges, reliable transit systems and efficient ports are what this bill delivers.”

In October, Corbett called for state legislators to pass legislation that encompassed transportation funding.

Here is a breakdown of the fifth year of the plan, where the legislation invests an additional:

-$1.3 billion annually for state roads and bridges

-$480 million to $495 million annually for public transportation

-$237 million annually for local roads and bridges

-$144 million annually in a multi-modal fund

-$30 million annually for dirt, gravel and low-volume roadways

-$86 million annually for Pennsylvania Turnpike expansion projects.

Some of the funding for the new transportation package is being derived from  abolishing the flat 12-cent gas tax, and improving an old transportation financing structure through uncapping the wholesale, Oil Company Franchise Tax. Altering drivers’ license fees and vehicle fees is thought to help with funding, as well.

State law dictates that fuel tax revenues must go towards bridge-related costs, highway-related costs and state police patrol-related costs.

Many of the bridge and road projects are scheduled to start in the Spring.

For further information on transportation funding and to see a list of transportation projects, visit www.dot.state.pa.us.