Legislative News 7-10

Transportation Committee Holds Hearings throughout PA

House Transportation Committee Chairman Joseph Markosek and Republican Chairman Rick Geist are holding a series of seven hearings to discuss the nearly $3.5 billion a year the state needs to maintain Pennsylvania's existing highway, bridge and public transit systems, and to take input on ways to develop sustainable transportation funding.

"By holding these hearings across the state, we can explain what we need to bring our large and aging transportation infrastructure up to date," said Markosek D-Allegheny/Westmoreland. "This is one of the most pressing problems in Pennsylvania, and I hope to hear from people who have innovative ideas. As I have said, all options are on the table."

"As the Legislature faces the challenge of adequately funding the Commonwealth's transportation system now and into the future, these hearings will provide constructive public forums for illustrating the true magnitude and urgency of the problem and for discussing the merits of proposed solutions," said Geist, R-Blair.

The Committee has already held hearings in Hershey, Lock Haven, Center Valley and Philadelphia. Upcoming hearings will be held as follows:

2 p.m. Thursday, June 10
Topic: Issues affecting the North East Region (PennDOT District 4)
Location: Marywood University, Nazareth Hall, The Latour Room, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton

2 p.m. Thursday, June 17
Topic: Issues affecting the North West Region (PennDOT Districts 1 and 10)
Location: Clarion University, Hart Chapel Auditorium, 850 Wood St., Clarion

10 a.m. Friday, June 18
Topic: Issues affecting the South West Region (PennDOT Districts 11 and 12)
Location: To be determined in Monroeville/Pittsburgh area