The process of updating the Commonwealth’s 12-year transportation program moves into the public hearing phase next month before the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission.

The Commission invites the public to offer ideas that focus on smart transportation, intermodalism, economic development, sound land use, and community involvement. Written and oral testimony carry equal weight, although written testimony is preferred. Oral testimony is limited to five minutes.

Written testimony can be submitted to Denise Soisson, executive secretary of the State Transportation Commission, PO Box 3363, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3363, or e-mailed to dsoisson@state.pa.us.

For those wishing to present oral testimony, the schedule is as follows:

• August 2, 2007, Altoona – Casino at Lakemont, 12:30 p.m.
• August 3, 2007, Williamsport - Holiday Inn, Pine Street, 9 a.m.
• August 16, 2007, Philadelphia -DVRPC, 8:30 a.m.
• August 29, 2007, Pittsburgh Area-Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe, 8 a.m.
• August 30, 2007, Hermitage-Hickory VFW, 8:30 a.m.
• September 6, 2007, York- Heritage Hills Conference Center, 8:30 a.m.
• September 7, 2007, Jim Thorpe - Carbon County Courthouse, 8 a.m.

The Commission requires that presentations regarding specific projects be summarized using an abstract form and submitted at least one week before the hearing. For additional information, please contact Jason Wagner, PHIA managing director, at jwagner@paconstructors.org.

Transportation Funding Bill Enacted
As expected, Governor Rendell on July 18 signed legislation that provides for additional funding for mass transit and highway systems following approval by the House and Senate.

The measure provides $946 million a year, on average, over the next decade to mass transit agencies and for road and bridge projects. As Governor Rendell noted, the bill closes about half of the highway funding gap. For a summary of the new law, go here.