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Pennsylvania State Senate
08/11/2024 12:24 PM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?SPick=20210&chamber=S&cosponId=35892
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: June 16, 2021 01:27 PM
From: Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr.
To: All Senate members
Subject: DRIVE SMART Act - Investing in Roads, Bridges and Public Transportation
 
In the near future, I will introduce legislation to provide reforms and investments for the Commonwealth’s roads, bridges and public transportation. 
 
COVID-19 significantly impacted all aspects of civilization, including the revenue sources to build highways and support public transportation.  The stay-at-home orders in 2020-21 reduced traffic volumes and transit ridership, which necessitated cuts to programs and services across the Commonwealth’s multimodal transportation system.  We are at a pivotal moment to restore these critical services and programs to pre-pandemic levels, which will be accomplished if we pass this time-sensitive legislation. 
 
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) decided to impose tolls on nine existing bridges on the Interstate System due to declining revenue sources, rising material costs and unfunded federal mandates.  PennDOT testified on numerous occasions that the only option we have is to impose a new toll on the backs of hardworking Pennsylvanians.  This legislation, however, provides an alternative pathway.
 
Due to the lack of transparency, public engagement and legislative input, I introduced Senate Bill 382 to reform the Public-Private Transportation Partnership (P3) statute and void PennDOT’s P3 bridge tolling initiative.  As chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, I have been committed to finding a better alternative for the Keystone State since the P3 bridge tolling initiative must end. 
 
The DRIVE SMART Act, Delivering Reforms and Investments for Vehicle Efficiency and Supporting Motor carriers, Airports, Rails & trails and Transit agencies, is my commitment to bolster reforms and investments for this Commonwealth.  Specifically, this legislation will include the following:
 
  • Authorize PennDOT to bond for the Interstate Transportation Improvement Program under the innovative federal Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEE) program ($2 billion).  The General Assembly must provide enabling legislation for PennDOT to bond.  If enacted, PennDOT would approach the bond market, at a time when there are relatively low interest rates.  PennDOT would then pay back the bond with anticipated federal dollars via GARVEE.  In 2021-22, Pennsylvania will receive $1.9 billion from the Federal Highway Administration, and the debt service for GARVEEE would come from a portion of this annual allocation.
  • Dedicate a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to provide immediate relief for the design and construction of PennDOT’s highways and bridges.
  • Dedicate a portion of ARPA for transit capital improvements to provide immediate relief to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
  • Update Title 74 (Transportation) with an agreed-to proposal from rural and small urban transit agencies, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAAC) to better manage transit agencies.
  • Authorize local revenue generating options for SEPTA and PAAC, which were contemplated during the Southeast and Southwest Mobility Studies.
  • Reallocate funding over 5 years from the Public Transportation Trust Fund to support intercity passenger rail facility upgrades.
  • Dedicate more funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for active transportation, such as walking, biking and hiking.
 
Please join me in sponsoring this legislation that will accelerate our State’s economic recovery, enhance the safety of the motoring public and provide alternative mobility options.