We need action on the transportation plan

The Aug. 20 article "Cuts in Transportation Funding Mean Worse Roads and Bridges" is right on target. We in the transportation industry in Pennsylvania have been saying for years that when it comes to infrastructure funding, there are definite consequences to inaction and ignoring the problem. What small progress has been made in repairing our roads and bridges will rapidly be erased and we will continue to watch and wait as our roadway system decays around us.

In fact, a 2010 PennDOT report stated that the annual statewide transportation funding need is $3.5 billion. Fast forward to 2012 and still nothing has been done to chip away at that number. Our inaction is costing us nearly $1 million in added construction costs per day.

We need gubernatorial and legislative leadership to make the decisions that are in the best interest of Pennsylvanians. Our leaders in Harrisburg must provide the proper resources to rebuild our infrastructure and rebuild our economy. The Governor's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission spent months compiling a report that has several excellent recommendations that would keep the Pittsburgh region and the entire commonwealth safe for the traveling public and economically competitive. The plan is there. The reasons for moving to action are annoyingly evident every time we get into our cars.

We need relief from the congestion, the detours and a strained economy. Tell our governor and legislators that enough is enough. Act now.

ERIC G. MADDEN
Executive Vice President
American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg