Gov. Tom Corbett Monday signed into law House Bill 1060 (Pyle-R-Armstrong), Pennsylvania’s most comprehensive piece of state transportation legislation in decades.

The transportation package will keep Pennsylvania safe and economically competitive by investing an additional $2.3 to $2.4 billion into the state’s roads and bridges by the fifth year of the plan and providing funding for transit systems across the state.

“Today I put my signature on Pennsylvania’s passport for the future,” Corbett said. “Through bipartisan spirit and an agreement that crossed party lines it shows that Pennsylvania is a state in which moderation, careful thought and good faith still play a large role in how we govern. Pennsylvania is a state that puts progress ahead of party lines with a common goal of serving our citizens.’’

“This is an investment in the safety of our citizens and the progress of our economy. It will create more jobs and keep Pennsylvanians moving across safe, world-class highways and bridges,” Corbett said.

The plan uncaps the Oil Company Franchise Tax in steps over five years which is estimated at current prices to increase gasoline prices by 25 to 28 cents per gallon. Vehicle registration fees and driver’s license fees are increased.  A surcharge is imposed on traffic tickets and certain fines are increased.

The  Intermodal Fund will provide $8 million in annual funding for rail freight projects by FY 2014-15 and $2 million annually for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, among other purposes.  The bill includes a provision consolidating PennDOT deputates and creates a Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation.

The plan includes a $30 million increase to the Dirt and Gravel Road Program bringing the total funding to $35 million annually-- $28 million to the State Conservation Commission and $7 million to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Fish and Boat Commission will receive funds from the Oil Company Franchise Tax based on the amount of fuel used by power motorboats.

The plan also establishes a new $2/sticker fee for vehicles exempt from the vehicle emissions testing program which drive fewer than 5,000 miles a year.

The amendment also included a limited reform of the prevailing wage increasing the threshold for projects it applies to $100,000 from $25,000.

A House Fiscal Note (better one) and Senate Fiscal Note summary of the bill are available.

NewsClips:

PennDOT Says Drivers Unlikely To Be Pinched At Pump

Gasoline Retailers Plan To Pass Higher Tax On To Motorists

Corbett Signs Transportation Funding Bill

Corbett Signs $2.3 Billion Transportation Bill

Transportation Funding Bill Bipartisan Victory

Dems Join Corbett At Transportation Bill Signing

Transportation Bill Includes Funds For Rail, Airports

Legislative Leaders To Advise PennDOT On Spending New Money

Winners, Losers From In Transportation Bill

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Turzai’s Transportation Vote

Transportation Bill Doesn’t End Bridge Weight Limits

John Baer: Transportation Bill Raises Questions

McNickle: About That Transportation Bill

Editorial: Long, Strange Trip For Road Funding Bill

12/2/2013