Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed an executive order establishing the Transportation Revenue Options Commission, which will be tasked with developing comprehensive funding recommendations for the state’s aging infrastructure.
The commission will hold its first meeting no later than March 25 and submit a report on commission activities and funding options to Wolf before Aug. 1. It comprises majority and minority leaders from the House and Senate Transportation and Appropriations committees and transportation, economic, and community stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
Yassmin Gramian, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) secretary, will be chairwoman.
The state owns more than 25,400 bridges and nearly 40,000 miles of road. According to PennDOT, the state has a $9.3 billion annual gap between actual funding and funding needs, and this is estimated to increase to a $14.5 billion gap by 2030.
Major risks to transportation funding include unpredictable federal funding, legislative changes to reduce commitments, and reduced fuel revenues, according to a 2019 Transportation Advisory Committee report.
Wolf has committed to phasing out the state’s gas tax because it has become an unreliable funding source.
“Phasing out the burdensome gas tax, coupled with seeking long-term reliable funding solutions that will keep pace with our infrastructure needs, deserves a close examination,” Wolf said.