Dear KTFC Members & Friends:
This week, the Coalition received a visit from U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, who opened the discussion by noting his strong support for transportation as a driver of job creation and economic development.
He said he was hopeful that Congress would be able to produce a federal funding measure during the first half – or perhaps even the first quarter – of next year, after spending the fall addressing several other important issues that are facing imminent deadlines. The funding measure would likely NOT include a federal gas-tax increase, he said.
The meeting was well attended, with the APC board room nearly full and about 30 people tuning in via video conference. Several Coalition members engaged the senator with questions and outlined concerns on behalf of their constituencies. We appreciate Senator Toomey’s time and attention, and we hope he left with a keener understanding of the issues facing the diverse membership of the Coalition.
Be of Good Cheer,
— The Wolff
TRANSPORTATION ISSUE UPDATE
- Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) has introduced a bill to expedite the timeframe for reducing the diversion of revenue from the Motor License Fund to support State Police operations. The measure would reduce the diverted amount to $500 million by 2023.
- A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House would provide funding to municipalities to renovate or replace old bridges. The measure would re-establish the federal Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program.
- Ever wonder which bridges in the Commonwealth are the longest? Wonder no more after checking out this list of the longest dozen.
- PennDOT reached out statewide to remind motorists that the deadline for obtaining a REAL ID is just a year away. Failure to get one will result in needing a passport or other approved credential to board a plane or to enter a secure federal facility.
- The 58-year-old Scudder Falls Bridge that spans the Delaware River is being dismantled following the completion of a replacement.