Action on transit bill could wait until 2012
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Gov. Tom Corbett signaled that a new transportation funding bill is not a top priority for his administration this year and questioned the effect of proposed new fees on the state's brittle economy.
In remarks after a speech to the national Waterways Symposium Downtown, Mr. Corbett said he would "take a look" at any transportation bills proposed this year but that they would battle for attention with measures on school vouchers and Marcellus Shale regulations. He said transportation might have to take a back seat, especially because the Legislature's current session is only half finished.
"I'll make this observation: This General Assembly doesn't end until November 2012. I don't have a deadline in my mind of this year," he told reporters.
The governor's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission delivered its report on paying for $2.7 billion statewide road, bridge and public transit needs on Aug. 1, with calls for higher registration and license fees and lifting a cap on the wholesale gasoline tax.
Bipartisan pressure has been rising to move on the recommendations, and the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre, this week announced intentions to introduce the funding proposals without the governor's go-ahead. Labor and business groups have lined up in support of some kind of legislation.
"There is no obvious deadline and this can happen later, but having said that, if we don't do it this year I don't know when we can do it," Mr. Corman said an interview after the governor's remarks. The senator acknowledged that fees are a tough sell in these economic times, but he said repeated studies have shown the economic drag from poor roads, congestion and vehicle wear and tear.
First Published October 22, 2011 12:34 am
