The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee recently held a hearing, entitled Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit, to hear from experts on the state’s transportation funding needs.
“Today’s meeting gave great insight into all of the ways that transportation funding intersects with other job sectors, giving us a more complete look at the whole picture,” committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia) said. “Transportation funding has reached a critical point in the commonwealth and it’s much more complex than just fixing our roads and bridges.
“Transportation touches on all aspects of our lives every day. We need to realize the long-term impact of neglecting transportation infrastructure in Pennsylvania to ensure we reach our goal to keep Pennsylvania moving forward.”
Testifiers included Mark Markosky, American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania president, and David Heath, a consultant for the Aviation Council of PA.
Markosky explained that funding for infrastructure projects provides stable and good paying jobs. Even small projects require experts from different sectors, he said.
Heath said the state’s aviation system needs at least $217 million annually to modernize and maintain a state of good repair.
Hearings will be held throughout September to learn about the state’s transportation needs in rural, suburban and urban communities.