|
Senate Approves Madigan Resolution Creating
Select Panel
to Examine New Methods of Financing Highway,
Bridge Projects
HARRISBURG -- The
Senate today approved a resolution that would establish a select Senate
committee to study the expanded use of toll-funded highways and bridge projects
as well as other innovative financing options to improve Pennsylvania’s
transportation network, according to Sen. Roger Madigan (R-Bradford), who
sponsored the measure.
Madigan, who chairs the Senate Transportation
Committee, said Senate Resolution 116 calls for the committee to examine a wide
range of issues related to toll roads, bond financing of transportation projects
and new options to improve project delivery, public safety and infrastructure
development.
“We have a responsibility to look at all of the new
and innovative financing options that provide for a safer and more efficient
highway system for our motorists,” Madigan said. “The establishment of this
committee, and the recommendations it puts forth, will help the Senate gain more
information about our transportation financing options.”
Madigan said the committee will look at such issues
as:
-
Financing of transportation projects in a manner
which will take full advantage of the public investment;
-
Improving safety and maintenance features;
-
The economic development opportunities of
public/private transportation and private tolling facilities; and
-
Alternatives to public funding of highway, road and
other transportation facilities through highway tolls.
Madigan noted that funding for Pennsylvania's
highway system from federal, state and local government sources is not expected
to adequately finance the increasing demands to preserve and expand
Pennsylvania’s transportation facilities. He said toll roads could more
directly link user cost with user benefit and provide a dedicated source of
revenue for much needed road construction and improvements.
The committee will be made up of five members of the
Senate and will be chaired by the majority and minority chairmen of the Senate
Transportation Committee. It will hold hearings, take testimony, gather
data and report its findings and recommendations
to the Senate by August
15, 2006.
# # #
|
