The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission today transmitted a payment of $212.5 million to the state as part of the ongoing funding of Act 44, the legislation enacted to finance highway and bridge projects and transit systems.

The turnpike has paid the state $1.6 billion under the legislation, generated by tolls and borrowing.

"It's remarkable that, in less than two years of Act 44, we've supplied more transportation funding for Pennsylvania than the federal stimulus bill allocation has provided," said turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier.

Act 44, enacted in 2007, was designed to finance transportation spending using turnpike tolls and new tolls on Interstate 80, but to date the federal government has not authorized the tolling of I-80.

The turnpike provided $850 million to the state this fiscal year and is required to provide $900 million in the fiscal year that begins July 1. Of that amount, $500 million will go to highway and bridge projects and $400 million to public transit.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said it has improved 855 miles of state highway and preserved, upgraded or replaced 389 state-owned bridges with Act 44 funds.

"Act 44 funds are an important part of our revenue stream that allow us to meet our goals for maintaining Pennsylvania's highways and bridges," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler. "These funds also support public transit in Pennsylvania."

Since the initial Act 44 payment was made in August 2007, the turnpike has provided $950 million to PennDOT for roadway and bridge projects and $650 million for mass transit operations and capital programs.