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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
07/27/2024 02:25 PM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?SPick=20150&chamber=H&cosponId=19074
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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: October 5, 2015 11:47 AM
From: Representative Pam Snyder
To: All House members
Subject: Increasing the Bonding Amounts for Excessive Road Maintenance Caused by Overweight Hauling Companies
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation which would increase the bonding amounts for excessive road maintenance caused by overweight hauling companies.

In response to the increased traffic from the Marcellus shale industry, local communities are attempting to alleviate excessive road damage and costs to the taxpayer by requiring hauling companies with trucks weighing greater than a road’s posted weight limit to be financially responsible for any excessive maintenance repair costs produced by their use of the road.

To ensure that the hauling companies comply with this financial responsibility, they are often required to provide a performance bond in an amount designed to cover the necessary repair costs as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Currently, the bonding amounts set by PennDOT are:
  • $6,000 per linear mile for unpaved highways to be maintained at a consistent level;
  • $12,500 per linear mile for paved highways to be maintained at a consistent level; and
  • $50,000 per linear mile for any highway which the posting authority allows to be maintained below a level consistent with the type of highway.

PennDOT has not increased these bonding amounts since 1981, causing them to be completely out of line with today’s actual maintenance costs, which can easily be $100,000 per mile for paved roads. My legislation will increase the current bonding amounts to reflect today’s actual maintenance costs, based on the bonding amounts used in neighboring West Virginia:
  • $100,000 per paved mile;
  • $35,000 per tar and chipped mile; and
  • $25,000 per graveled mile.

My legislation will also require PennDOT to adjust these bonding amounts at least once every two years to reflect increases or decreases in repair costs. PennDOT will also be required to deliver an annual report to the General Assembly detailing increased or decreased repair costs.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation to help maintain our local roads and save taxpayer money. The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors has expressed support for increased bonding amounts.