Pennsylvania transportation funding plan feedback sought

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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking public input regarding plans exploring funding options for state highway and bridge maintenance and improvements.

In accordance with the Pathways Program, which examines possible near and long-term funding solutions, the department recently launched an alternative funding Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study.

“A safe and reliable transportation network is critical to quality of life for those who travel throughout our state,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “We take our responsibility as stewards of mobility very seriously, which is why we must explore our options.”

PennDOT officials indicated in the wake of gas taxes, which comprise 74 percent of PennDOT’s funding, becoming increasingly unreliable and federal funding remaining flat for several years despite rising inflation – the department faces an $8.1 billion gap in its annual highway and bridge transportation funding to keep the network in a state of good repair.

PennDOT is requesting the public review the information presented on its online engagement platform and to provide comments via
visitwww.penndot.gov/funding. Feedback will be accepted through Dec. 17, 2020.