Governor Rendell proposes temporary funding for Port Authority
Written by jrood
The Port Authority of Allegheny County issued the following statement regarding: Pennsylvania Governor Rendell's announcement on temporary funding for the Port Authority: This morning, Gov. Ed Rendell detailed a proposal to local leaders that would provide $45 million in funding to help sustain public transportation service in Allegheny County. The plan would have to be approved by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), which is a regional planning agency that directs the use of transportation funds in the region. The $45 million would come from unused economic development funds and not from other transportation projects. The governor made the announcement during a press conference this morning in downtown Pittsburgh, following a briefing with SPC members. This would be a temporary fix for Port Authority and would not resolve the state's transportation funding crisis. Port Authority is anxious to have serious discussions with state leaders in the new year about a responsible long-term solution for transit and highway funding. Port Authority will examine the proposal in the coming weeks and determine how it might impact fares and service. The Authority will not take any action until after the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission votes on the matter later this month.
