Casey: Just Passed Transportation Bill Will Create PA Jobs, Improve Infrastructure Across Commonwealth

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the U.S. Senate has passed a transportation bill that will create jobs in Pennsylvania and improve the state’s aging infrastructure.  The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act will direct nearly $3.2 billion to Pennsylvania over the next two years and maintain current levels of funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2012.

“This transportation bill will create jobs and improve roads and bridges throughout Pennsylvania,” Casey said. “I’m pleased that several provisions I authored to improve infrastructure for Pennsylvanians have been included in the bill, which will invest in bridges maintained by counties and provide more flexibility to states when they use their transportation resources.”

The bill includes several measures authored by Senator Casey which will aid the Commonwealth:

Improve Bridges Maintained By Counties: Senator Casey’s provision would establish a dedicated revenue stream through the Off-System Bridge Program for bridges that are not on federal-aid or the National Highway System. Senator Casey’s amendment ensures that counties are not left bearing the full responsibility of the cost of their off-system bridge needs.  It gives states and counties the proper tools and the assurance of a steady flow of funding needed to maintain our nation’s bridges. A list of off system bridges is below.

Invest in Route 219 and Bolster the Appalachian Highway System: A Casey provision will provide states with more flexibility as they use their transportation resources. Casey’s provision will allow toll credits to fund Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) projects. The measure will also allow the federal cost share on ADHS projects to increase from 80% to 100%. 

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