WITF’s StateImpact reported Thursday Gov. Corbett and Mrs. Corbett took a $2,323 vacation in Rhode Island and an in-state trip in 2011 paid for by John Moran, Jr., who heads Moran Industries, a Northumberland County logistics company specializing in trucking, rail and warehouse facilities.

The trips were discovered when Gov. Corbett updated ethics statements recently to report the gifts.

Moran Industries has provided logistics services to the Marcellus Shale drilling companies, including constructing 8 build-to-suit facilities.

News reports said shortly after the Rhode Island trip Moran was appointed co-chair of Team Pennsylvania and went with the Governor on his foreign trade mission to France and Germany.

Moran’s wife was also appointed to an unpaid position at the PA Historical and Museum Commission.

According to campaign reports, the Moran’s donated $75,000 to Corbett’s 2010 run for governor and a total of $100,000 since 1999.

In response to questions about the trips, Gov. Corbett said the Moran’s are just friends.

NewsClips:

Corbett Took Free Vacation From Marcellus Business Owner

Corbett Defends Free Trips From Marcellus Shale Businessman

Corbett Defends Trips He Accepted For Free

Natural Gas Exec Paid For Corbett 2011 Vacation

Touting Transparency, Corbett Declines To Explain Free Vacation

12/24/2012