Act 44 may have partially eased Pennsylvania's transportation funding crisis, but policymakers in some regions of the state are still searching for "the rest of the solution."

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission recently released a study listing 23 possible taxes and fees that could be utilized to fund regional transportation needs. Most of the sources identified in the study would require approval by the General Assembly.

The report noted that local governments pay less for roads and mass transit than cities and counties in other states, largely because Pennsylvania restricts local taxation, which puts the region at a competitive disadvantage.

Because Act 44 does not provide revenue for new road and bridge projects, local contributions will be required in order to combat the problems caused by traffic congestion. In fact, Act 44 provides only about half of the revenue required to fix Pennsylvania's highway system.

Barry Seymour, DVRPC executive director, surmised that residents may be more inclined to support increases in various fees and taxes if they knew that the funds would be spent on local projects. Giving regions a greater role in transportation planning and funding was one of the recommendations contained in the Pennsylvania Economy League's transportation study of 2006.

"The DVRPC recognizes the relationship between a vibrant economy and a sound transportation infrastructure," said PHIA President Ron Drnevich. "It is heartening to see such an organization continuing to look ahead to the needs of the future."