HARRISBURG – The Transportation Funding Advisory Commission (TFAC) met on June 6 to discuss various modernization strategies for PennDOT to invest an additional $2 billion to $2.5 billion annually into Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure.
The commission has met three times this year and its members expect to finalize and deliver the plan to Gov. Tom Corbett by Aug. 1.
During Monday’s meeting, commission members heard plans how a local taxation authority could be established to benefit specific roads in a region. Although part of the presentation focused on U.S. 422 in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties, the commission will not make recommendations on tolling specific routes.
Also discussed were modernization strategies, including business approaches to help PennDOT streamline operations, save money or improve overall efficiency. Specifically, some of the suggestions under consideration include eliminating safety inspections for new vehicles, establishing an eight-year driver’s license and coordinating with municipalities to ensure proper maintenance and operation of traffic signals.
“The TFAC is making great progress in its efforts to put a financial plan in place for transportation that makes sense and helps improve Pennsylvanians’ overall quality of life, their level of safety on the roads and creates new economic development opportunities,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch, P.E.
To view the presentations and other information about the TFAC, log on to www.tfac.pa.gov. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews.
