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Senate Endorses Madigan Legislation Allowing For Transportation Public Private PartnershipsSenate Endorses Madigan Legislation Allowing For Transportation Public Private PartnershipsLegislation that would enable the Commonwealth to use alternative funding mechanisms to fund transportation projects has passed the State Senate according to Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Roger Madigan (R-Bradford). Senate Bill 1158 would allow the Commonwealth and regional transportation authorities to enter into agreements with the private sector to design, construct, manage or maintain new or expanded transportation options through Public Private Partnerships (P3s). “As we face the mounting pressures to simply maintain our existing transportation infrastructure, we must innovate and adapt to overcome our transportation challenges using techniques that cannot be accomplished under the current rules of the game,” Madigan said during remarks on the Senate floor. “This legislation is the product of four years of work and provides an important tool in meeting our mobility needs.” Madigan said state and local transportation systems are facing critical maintenance issues, particularly with aging and deteriorating structures and skyrocketing construction costs. “Local governments are particularly sensitive to soaring costs as so much of their systems are funded primarily by property taxes,” he said. “This bill will give them an important new resource when it comes to transportation financing.” The proposal is focused on creating new capacity and specifically restricts the leasing of the Pennsylvania Turnpike from consideration unless authorized by a separate act of the General Assembly. Madigan noted that states are facing mounting pressures to simply maintain the transportation infrastructure they have in place, and many – including Pennsylvania – are looking for new ways to operate transportation networks more affordably and efficiently. Senate Bill 1158 now goes to the House for consideration. If the legislation is approved by the General Assembly, Pennsylvania would join 22 other states that have already authorized the use of P3s. The partnerships authorize the use of private capital or private management expertise on transportation projects. Contact:
CRAIG SHUEY
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