Pa. governor pushes lawmakers to return to work early

July 20, 2010
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell is asking state lawmakers to cut their summer vacation short so they can resume a funding boot camp.

Back in May, when the FHWA denied Pennsylvania’s application to toll I-80 a second time, Rendell called the Senate and House of Representatives into a special session to find a way to recover the $472 million a year in transportation funding that was lost with the FHWA rejection.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell is asking state lawmakers to cut their summer vacation short so they can resume a funding boot camp.

Back in May, when the FHWA denied Pennsylvania’s application to toll I-80 a second time, Rendell called the Senate and House of Representatives into a special session to find a way to recover the $472 million a year in transportation funding that was lost with the FHWA rejection.

Now, Rendell wants lawmakers back on the job by Aug. 23 so they can finally close the funding gap—which stands at $3.5 billion. He is expected to meet with the Senate Transportation Committee on July 21 where he will provide members with lists of projects their districts will miss out on if a solution is not found. Rendell also said he will show the committee additional road and bridge projects that will be possible when the program is fully funded.

Rendell has been in favor of instituting a number of fee and tax increases to make up the difference.

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, however, has said that the transportation funding debates might be postponed until January 2011, when a new governor is elected into office. Rendell’s tenure will end this year. The frontrunner in the race for Rendell’s replacement, Republican Tom Corbett, has signed a pledge to oppose any tax spikes, but may consider other fee increases.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...