Transportation Bill Introduced in Senate A bill to fund some transportation activities has been introduced by Senators Rob Wonderling (R-Lehigh) and J. Barry Stout (D-Westmoreland). S.B. 948 would authorize Public Private Partnerships. The language is identical to legislation introduced in 2008, which TCI and APC supported. The bill would also cap the amount of money that flows from the Motor License Fund for State Police operations, another concept we support. The bill would authorize Bonding for group projects to rehabilitate municipal and county bridges in a manner similar to PennDOT’s group design-build projects. Finally, the legislation raises auto and truck registration and other fees. The bill appropriates funds raised from these increases to fund traffic signal coordination and upgrades at the municipal level. It is anticipated the bill could see action as early as next week in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Markosek Meets with TCI-PAC Board House Transportation Committee Chairman Joe Markosek met yesterday with the Transportation Construction Industries PAC Board of Directors. Markosek described 2009 as the “toughest year” in his 29 year tenure in the House of Representatives. He noted that by the end of the budget deliberations, “everyone will be unhappy”. Markosek indicated that he sees little potential for increased transportation taxes unless there is a move to increase the personal income tax or other general fund taxes. Right now, the mood of the General Assembly is away from tax increases, he told the PAC Board.

PennDOT Seeks Comments on
Diamond Grinding of Concrete After many comments, PennDOT is re-circulating proposed changes to section 514 (Diamond Grinding of Concrete Pavement) of Publication 408 for industry feedback.

To view more detailed explanations and/or provide comments on the proposal, visit the APC Specification Review web page by going here (member login required).

Please submit comments by June 23, 2009.

APC to Meet with PennDOT on Time Reduction Spec. You will recall that last month, APC and PennDOT completed negotiations on new time extensions requirements. Most of the changes are positive. FHWA is now requiring that the time reduction portion be implemented. Geoff Clarke and John Kulka will be sitting down with Ed Fuhrer and Mike Long to work on the changes. Please call Bob Latham (717-238-2513 ext. 102) with any questions or concerns.

July 13 Industry Luncheon for Congressman Tim Holden Congressman Tim Holden (D-17) will be honored by the construction and engineering industry at a luncheon scheduled for Monday, July 13 at the APC office. Host tickets are $500 per person and Individual tickets for the event are $250. Call Christina Peirson at the APC office (717-238-2513 ext. 109) for more information.

Flagger Training Set for June 23The next Flagger Train-the-Trainer Program has been scheduled for
June 23, 2009, from 8 am to 12 noon at the APC office.

Go here to register. Contact Cindy Reisinger at (717) 238-2513 ext. 103 for more information.