WHATS
NEW
Testimony
to the Governor's Transportation
Funding and Reform Commission
Transportation
Funding Initiative: New Information of Note to Report
New
TFI information of note to report: The Governor's Transportation
Funding and Reform Commission is to release an interim report by the
end of August followed by a series of public input meetings around
the state during the weeks of September 11 - 18. The Commission's
final report will be issued on November 15 following the election.
Thus, you can appreciate the narrow window of time for the
legislature to determine a funding solution.
To date, 442 organizations and individuals have endorsed the
Transportation Funding Initiative (TFI). If you haven’t already
done so, please add your name to the growing list of those concerned
with the looming financial crisis that threatens all modes of
transportation in the Commonwealth and our region (whether or not
you use public transportation). Go to: www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/TFI
to view TFI website. Review the statement and principles urging
action by the Governor and legislature, add your organization's
name, jot a testimonial, and be a part of the ground swell calling
for action by year-end to determine a long-term, reliable
transportation funding solution.
Read the letter to the editor entitled, "We must work together
to find a public transit funding solution," published in the
Post-Gazette on 7/27 and note the interest of one business leader
from the high tech sector http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06208/708899-110.stm.
Here are a few key milestones:
-End of August: Interim Commission report (Governor's Transportation
Funding and Reform Commission - watch for public meet dates and
times)
-September (weeks of 9/11 & 9/18 TBD): Commission hearings to
collect public input
-9/4 Labor Day parade (outreach opportunity)
-10/5 PenTrans forum in Philadelphia with members of the Commission
-10/26 Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network public event where the
transportation crisis will be featured
-11/7 Election Day
-11/15 Final Commission report due to Governor and
-11/23 Thanksgiving Day
-11/30 Legislature adjournment sine die
January 2007: Port Authority Allegheny County budget deficit of
$31.5 million begins to be felt if no solution is found.
Conclusion:
- Transportation funding is OUR problem -- OUR issue, let's work
together to solve it this year!
- The urgency continues to let the Governor and legislature know
southwestern Pennsylvanians understand the critical contribution
transportation and public transportation makes to our economy,
society, and environment.
- Urge your network to endorse the Transportation Funding
Initiative. - Stay tuned for the Governor's Commission interim
report and public meeting in our area (information will be published
in 3 E Links as soon as is available).
- Be prepared to communicate to the Commission not only the need for
a long-term, reliable funding solution, but also for the
"context" through which investments should be programmed
strategically to achieve goals. Examples such as: revitalize our
existing communities, complete the streets for all modes of
transportation, advance SPC's recently released Regional Transit
Vision, and plan for allowing access to jobs, etc. for citizens of
our region - long into the future.
- If you have insights to share regarding strategy and key
milestones, drop us at line at info@sustainablepittsburgh.org
Watch for the interior bus cards on Port Authority Allegheny County
buses that state: Add your name to the 2006 Transportation Funding
Initiative. Ensure YOUR input to the Governor’s Transportation
Funding and Reform Commission to call for a solution to the current
transportation funding crisis. For more information call
412-258-6642 or visit: www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/TFI.
TLC’s
comments will focus upon abroad range of issues including the
proposed locally developed human service and transportation plans
and metropolitan and statewide planning: http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/pdf95/388298_web.pdf
Presentations from the 11th
Annual Transportation and Engineering Safety Conference are now
available online. This conference brought together a diverse group
of people in the transportation field, from advocates to
scholars. Click
to visit.
TLC offers testimony to the
Transportation Reform and Funding Commission. Click
to view.
Read a letter to Allen Biehler,
Secretary of Transportation of the Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation, asking for the rescission of funds, as it may result
in an inequitable division of limited funds. Click
to read.
