Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition responds to Gov. Corbett’s budget address

The Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition commended Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett‘s for embracing a comprehensive transportation funding plan as one of his administration’s top priorities. He delivered the address on Feb. 7 in Harrisburg, Pa.

The coalition was encouraged by his insistence that the solution must be a lasting one.  The organizations says Corbett’s comments were in keeping with the recommendations of his Transportation Funding Advisory Commission, “which would put transportation funding on track for a comprehensive, lasting solution.”

The coalition’s response follows:

“Transportation funding has bi-partisan, bicameral support. We saw further evidence of that in the reaction of legislators to his comments on the issue today [Feb. 7]. Moreover, public opinion research shows that a majority of Pennsylvanians regard transportation funding as the most important issue facing the commonwealth.

Finally, we were very encouraged by the governor’s continuing emphasis on creating jobs and improving Pennsylvania’s economy. An adequately funded transportation system will support tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs – in Pennsylvania.

We look forward to working with the administration and the General Assembly to move this vital public policy issue forward, both for its near-term economic benefits as well as to create a key component for future prosperity and an improved quality of life for all residents of the commonwealth.

The Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition is a confederation of organizations with an interest in multimodal transportation funding, who support a comprehensive solution to Pennsylvania’s transportation funding needs. Members include the highway construction industry, public transit agencies, labor unions, farm organizations, AARP, bicycle and pedestrian transportation advocates, land-use advocates, AAA, air and seaport organizations, organizations representing local governments, chambers of commerce, travel and tourism organizations, environmental advocates, freight and passenger rail organizations and truck freight haulers.”