In an effort to help municipalities across Pennsylvania maintain their roads and bridges, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) said Monday it would invest $467.2 million into liquid fuels payments.
The annual distributions will assist municipalities’ highway and bridge-related expenses like snow removal and road repaving.
“Our roads and bridges are vital to connecting Pennsylvanians with services and opportunity,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “Investments in municipal roads and bridges are a critical component in maintaining safe and connected communities.”
Officials said the allocation formula is based on two factors – population and miles of locally-owned roads that have been formally adopted as a public street by the municipality, meet certain dimension requirements and be able to accommodate vehicles driving at least 15 mph safely. There are 120,596 miles of public roads in Pennsylvania. An estimated 78,000 linear miles of roadway and more than 6,600 bridges are managed more than 2,550 municipalities, officials said.
“With two-thirds of Pennsylvania’s road miles under township and local government care, we recognize the critical role of liquid fuels funding in maintaining our roadways. We appreciate PennDOT’s recognition of local government as a vital partner in the Commonwealth’s transportation network,” PSATS Executive Director David Sanko said. “However, as energy-efficient vehicles and electric cars gain prominence, these funds are being reduced. We eagerly anticipate a continuing partnership with PennDOT and the General Assembly to find innovative solutions, ensuring our roads remain smooth, safe, and ready for the journeys ahead.”
Prior to the passage of Act 89 of 2013, municipalities received $320.8 million in liquid fuels payments.