The State Transportation Commission Thursday approved an update to Pennsylvania's 12-Year Transportation Program which anticipates $41.6 billion being available over the next 12 years for improvements to roads, bridges, transit systems, airports and railroads.

"PennDOT is working very hard to make the most of every available dollar," said PennDOT Secretary and Commission Chairman Barry J. Schoch. "This plan, which was developed in partnership with all regions of Pennsylvania, focuses on preserving our current infrastructure while living with the reality of flat or reduced federal and state revenues."

The newly adopted 12-Year Program, which takes effect October 1, anticipates just over $9 billion being available for highway and bridge projects in the first four years. Public transit is in line for $5.4 billion; aviation, $360 million; and the state's rail-freight systems are expected to receive $204 million. 

"PennDOT is committed to implementing cost-saving efforts and modernization practices that make sense and help us stretch Pennsylvania's limited resources," said Schoch.

Eight Rural Planning Organizations and 15 Metropolitan Planning Organizations partnered with PennDOT in the review and development of the update. It will now be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration for review and approval. The Federal Highway Administration coordinates with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review the plan's conformity with air quality requirements.

Highway funds listed in the 12-Year Program are distributed statewide using a formula that weighs population, lane miles and vehicle miles traveled. Bridge funds are distributed based on the condition of each region's structures.

The commission consists of 10 appointed citizens and the majority and minority chairpersons of the state House and Senate Transportation committees.

State law requires the commission to review and update the 12-Year Program every two years. No capital project can move forward unless it is included in the 12-Year Program.

For more information, visit PennDOT’s 12-Year Program webpage.

8/13/2012