IN THIS ISSUE Co-Sponsor Memos Bill Actions

May 5, 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

Co-Sponsor Memos Bill Actions PA Bulletin Upcoming Events Session Schedule In the News

Co-Sponsor Memos

HCO1958 Harkins, Patrick Provides that the amount of tax owed by qualified air freight forwarding companies on business income would be determined using the same tax formula based on "revenue miles" as currently used by airline companies.

HCO1971 Baker, Matt Increases the grading and penalties for throwing rocks and other dangerous objects at occupied vehicles.

HCO1985 Farry, Frank Adds a sentencing enhancement to the offense of DUI Homicide by Vehicle that would apply, at the discretion of the sentencing court, where the driver had alcohol & a controlled substance, or multiple controlled substances in his system.

HCO1991 Pyle, Jeff Prohibits public & private entities from taking any action against a person who legally keeps a firearm locked in their vehicle & prohibits them from violating the privacy rights of such a person.

SCO 857 Bartolotta, Camera Ensures the equitable distribution of funds received from the settlement with Volkswagen to shape Pennsylvania's energy portfolio and provide for cleaner air in the Commonwealth.

SCO 859 Brewster, Jim Eliminates annual COLAs, per diems, state-leasing of vehicles to the General Assembly, and a gift ban for members of the General Assembly.

Bill Actions

HB 290 Metzgar, Carl (PN 1478) Amends the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act further providing for Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board removing the Middle Atlantic Truck Stop Operators from the board and adding a statewide organization representing fuel retailers and food merchants. Also provides for the appointments to the board by the Senate President Pro Tempore, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Minority Leader and the House Minority Leader. The Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program and the Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention Program shall cease to exist on June 30, 2022, unless reestablished. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 339) Bill History: 04-26-17 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-26-17 Laid out for discussion 1:58pm 04-26-17 Third consideration 1:58pm 04-26-17 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:190/N: 0)

05-04-17 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy

HB 303 Topper, Jesse (PN 303) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 1005, known as Church View Road, Segment 0180, Offset 0000, over Beaver Creek, South Woodbury Township, Bedford County, as the PFC/POW William G. Koontz Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-26-17 H Set on the House Calendar 04-26-17 Laid out for discussion 11:28am 04-26-17 Third consideration 11:28am 04-26-17 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:189/N: 0) 05-04-17 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Transportation

HB 834 Marshall, Jim (PN 916) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 588 over Interstate 376, Chippewa Township, Beaver County, as the TFC Blake T. Coble Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-24-17 H Set on the House Calendar 04-24-17 Laid out for discussion 2:13pm 04-24-17 Third consideration 2:13pm 04-24-17 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:192/N: 0) 05-04-17 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Transportation

HB 1299 Bullock, Donna (PN 1597) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in other required equipment, prohibiting straight pipe exhaust systems on motorcycles and prescribing penalties. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-27-17 H Filed 04-28-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 1319 Hanna, Mike (PN 1628) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) adding language providing section 1509 relating to qualifications for school bus driver endorsement shall not apply to a school bus driver who operates a school bus for a school which has power of attorney for legal guardianship over its students. Also amends section 4552 relating to general requirements to school buses providing the requirements under certain subsections shall not apply to a school bus used by a school which has power of attorney for legal guardianship over its students. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 05-02-17 H Filed 05-02-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 1327 Hanna, Mike (PN 1630) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) requiring a school vehicle to stop at railroad crossings whether or not the vehicle is carrying passengers. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 05-02-17 H Filed 05-02-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HR 310 Pashinski, Eddie Day Resolution directing LBFC to conduct a study of the feasibility of providing passenger rail service between Wilkes-Barre & Scranton in conjunction with the proposed restoration of rail service between Scranton & New York City.

Bill History: 05-04-17 H Filed

SB 669 White, Donald (PN 788) Act designating the a bridge on a portion of State Route 85 over the north branch of Plum Creek in Plumville Borough in Indiana County as the Henry Lue Weaver Memorial Bridge. Bill History: 05-04-17 S Filed 05-04-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SR 102 Brooks, Michele (PN 783) Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study to analyze and identify which transportation laws and regulations of this Commonwealth have more stringent standards than Federal law requires. Bill History: 05-02-17 S Filed 05-02-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

PA Bulletin

DRBC: PUBLIC HEARING AND BUSINESS MEETING The Delaware River Basin Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 17 at 1:30 and a public business meeting on Wednesday, June 14 both at the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, Crossing. Hearing items will include draft dockets for withdrawals, discharges and other water-related projects subject to the Commission's review, and two Fiscal Year 2018 budget resolutions. Written comments on the matter will be accepted through 5 p.m. on May 22, 2017 and should be submitted to Commission Secretary, PO Box 7360, 25 Cosey Road, West Trenton, NJ 08628, fax (609) 883-9522 [email protected]. To sign up for oral comment, contact Paula Schmitt, [email protected].

PENNDOT: OPENING OF THE GRANT APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA VANPOOL INCENTIVE PROGRAM The Department of Transportation announced an opportunity to apply for $1 million that has been made available through the Pennsylvania Vanpool Incentive Program. This funding is available for government entities, nonprofit entities and transportation companies that plan to establish new vanpools in this Commonwealth. To be eligible for the program, applicants must demonstrate that they will be starting a new vanpool and must meet minimum ridership requirements to receive funds throughout the grant period. For more information, such as maximum monthly funding amounts and details regarding ADA-accessible vans, visit the department's web site at PennDOT.gov or contact the Department by e-mail at [email protected]

IRRC: ACTION TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION The Independent Regulatory Review Commission met publicly at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 20, 2017, and announced the following: • Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission # 57-312: Reduce Barriers to Entry for Passenger Motor Carriers (amends 52 Pa. Code Chapters 1, 3, 23 and 29) – Approved

PPA: RULES AND REGULATIONS: TAXICAB AND LIMOUSINE TEMPORARY REGULATIONS The Philadelphia Parking Authority proposed certain amendments to the temporary regulations ordered on January 27, 2017. A full list of changes is available in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Questions should be directed to Michael Casey, Taxicab and Limousine Division, (215) 683-9417.

Upcoming Events

House State Government MONDAY - 5/8/17, 12:00 p.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building To consider:

SB 133 Ward, Kim Act imposing a duty on the Department of Transportation to file with the Department of Homeland Security a request for extension of time to comply with the REAL ID Act of 2005; and making a related repeal.

House Transportation MONDAY - 5/8/17, Off the Floor, Room 205, Ryan Office Building To consider: HB 108 Warner, Ryan Act designating Exit 18 of State Route 43 in Fayette County as the Staff Sgt. John P. Wanto Vietnam Veteran Exit. HB 109 Warner, Ryan Act designating Exit 15 of State Route 43 in Fayette County as the Lance Corporal Russell W. Naugle Vietnam Veteran Exit. HB 154 Tallman, Will Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 2003 over the Yellow Breeches Creek, South Middleton Township, Cumberland County, as the Sgt. Adam C. Schoeller Memorial Bridge. HB 181 Day, Gary Act designating a portion of State Route 100 in Lehigh County as the Captain Mark T. Resh Memorial Highway. HB 603 Metzgar, Carl Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in size, weight and load, further providing for maximum gross weight of vehicles. HB 928 Jozwiak, Barry Amends The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties. Amending Title 75 (Vehicles), in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege. HB 952 Snyder, Pam Act designating the bridge, Bridge Key 53825, on that portion of SR 1011, also known as Castile Run Road between Jefferson Township & Clarksville Borough, Greene County, as the PFC Brent A. McClellan Memorial Bridge. HB 1049 Hahn, Marcia Amend Title 75 (Vehicles), in licensing of drivers, further providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked. HB 1219 Reed, Dave Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 1012, known as the Diamondville Bridge, Cherryhill Township, Indiana County, as the Sgt. Robert Eugene Goodlin Memorial Bridge. HB 1244 Carroll, Mike Act designating a bridge on that portion of U.S. Route 11 over the Susquehanna River between the City of Pittston and West Pittston Borough, Luzerne County, as the Specialist Dale J. Kridlo Memorial Bridge. HB 1270 Hanna, Mike Act designating a bridge at the junction of State Route 64 over Fishing Creek in Mill Hall Borough, Clinton County, as the US Navy SOC David M. Collins Veterans Memorial Bridge.

House Transportation (PUBLIC HEARING) THURSDAY - 5/11/17, 10:00 a.m., Room 140 Main Capitol Public hearing on The Governor's proposal to charge per capita for State Police coverage in local communities

Senate Education (PUBLIC HEARING) MONDAY - 5/15/17, Subcommittee on Support Services & Transportation, 1:00 p.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building Public hearing on current practices and issues in pupil transportation

PA Public Utility Commission May 9, 2017 - 10:00 a.m., 801 Market St, 6th Floor, Philadelphia Public input hearing on Philadelphia Gas Works requested rate increase. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

PA Public Utility Commission May 9, 2017 - 6:00 p.m., Dorothy Emanuel Recreation Gymnasium, 8501 Provident Ave, Philadelphia Public input hearing on Philadelphia Gas Works requested rate increase. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

Department of Transportation May 10, 2017 - 10:00 a.m., Conference Room 112, PEMA Headquarters Building, 1310 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg State Transportation Innovation Council (SITC) Quarterly Business Meeting. For additional information: (717) 787- 9880

PA Public Utility Commission May 10, 2017 - 10:00 a.m., Philadelphia Free Library, 1901 Vine St., Philadelphia Public input hearing on Philadelphia Gas Works requested rate increase. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

PA Public Utility Commission May 10, 2017 - 6:00 p.m., George Washington High School Auditorium, 10175 Bustleton Ave., Philadelphia Public input hearing on Philadelphia Gas Works requested rate increase. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

PA Turnpike Commission May 16, 2017 - 10:00 a.m., Turnpike Admin. Bldg, Large Board Room, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd., 3rd Fl., Middletown Commission Meeting. For additional information: (717) 831-7333

PA Public Utility Commission May 16, 2017 - 1:00 p.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Smart Hearing on Laurel Pipe Line application. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

PA Public Utility Commission May 16, 2017 - 6:00 p.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Smart Hearing on Laurel Pipe Line application. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons May 16, 2017 - 9:00 a.m.**Cancelled**, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg Board Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1697

PA Public Utility Commission May 18, 2017 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Public Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

Session Schedule Senate May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24 June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

House May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24 June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

In the News

05-04-2017 PHIA: PennDOT Lets $172 Million in April (Press Release)

05-04-2017 Governor Wolf, PennDOT Secretary Kick Off Route 283 Reconstruction Project... (Press Release)

05-04-2017 UberEats joins the endless stream of meal delivery services in Pittsburgh When the late night surge of Philly cheesesteak and french fry orders pour in from hungry college students, they’re usually not coming in on the phone, said Joel Miller, manager of Oakland-based sandwich shop Campus Deli. “Tuesday night shift, there was one phone delivery and 10 Grubhub... - Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

05-04-2017 Commissioners publish ordinance for $5 vehicle registration fee increase BELLEFONTE The Centre County board of commissioners has drafted and published a new ordinance, which, if passed, will allow the county to implement a $5 vehicle registration fee increase. The ordinance was drafted by county staff and published on Friday in the... - State College Centre Daily Times

05-04-2017 Route 22 project update: Fullerton ramps to reopen, Fifth Street Bridge to be demolished WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP — The latest in the Route 22 widening project brings good news and bad news for drivers in Whitehall Township. The good news: You'll be able to get off Route 22 at the Fullerton Avenue interchange in both directions. The bad news: You won't be able to get back on Route 22 from Fullerton... - Allentown Morning Call

05-04-2017 Derry Township, Hummelstown communities voice concern over railroad plan A plan to upgrade the Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad was met with concerns at a public meeting Wednesday night in Derry Township. The railroad, based in Middletown, has been awarded a state grant to rehabilitate its track between the two communities, track which crosses... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

05-04-2017 Judge orders Harrisburg to find owner of collapsed wall Dauphin County Judge Lawrence F. Clark on Wednesday ordered the city to hire a team of professionals to establish ownership of the wall that collapsed nearly one year ago next to the Mulberry Street bridge. Clark's ruling stemmed from an appeal filed by the owners of the McFarland... - Harrisburg Patriot- News

05-04-2017 No, Congressman Shuster, protecting airline passengers is not 'overburdening business': Editorial Here's what U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, chairman of the U.S. House Transportation Committee, had to say recently about the heavy-handed thuggery the American airline industry recently employed against its customers: "I don't believe in overburdening our businesses," Shuster, R-9th District,... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

05-04-2017 Uber launches on-demand food delivery service in Pittsburgh Beginning today, Uber customers in Pittsburgh now have a new use for the ride-hailing service -- especially if they're hungry. The company has officially launched its UberEats food delivery app in Steel City, with users now able to have food delivered from nearly 100 local... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

05-04-2017 Citing 'fiscal irresponsibility,' Cumberland County asks CAT board to join them in voting down budget CARLISLE - Cumberland County officials have already blasted Capital Area Transit for what they called "questionable practices" and "costly shortcomings." And at a news conference today, the commissioners voiced their opposition to the fixed-route bus service's proposed budget for the 2017 and 2018... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

05-04-2017 Think parking rates are ridiculous in Harrisburg now? Rate increase on the table HARRISBURG--Drivers have complained about the parking rates in Harrisburg ever since the higher rates went into effect three years ago. But rates could go even higher this year as a debate over parking rates is brewing behind closed doors. Parking officials have asked for an increase this year in parking rates... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

05-04-2017 FirstEnergy subsidiary dodges bankruptcy bullet FirstEnergy Solutions, the power plant arm of FirstEnergy Corp., appears to have dodged a bankruptcy bullet when it reached an agreement with two railroads to pay them both $109 million during the next three years. The payments, which began this month, are being paid to both CSX Transportation... - Uniontown Herald-Standard

05-04-2017 Erie schools consider transportation changes Students in the Erie School District could go to and leave school at different times in 2017-18, and many high school students could also get bused to school. The district administration is considering the transportation changes to accommodate more students in light of the schools reconfiguration plan that... - Erie Times-News

05-04-2017 Meadowcroft unveils renovated covered bridge AVELLA – Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, which kicks off its 2017 season on Saturday, unveiled the newly rehabilitated Pine Bank Covered Bridge at a dedication ceremony Wednesday. About two dozen people, including local and civic leaders, attended the... - Washington Observer-Reporter

05-04-2017 Uber and Waymo Duel at Key Hearing Over Driverless Car Technology On Wednesday, lawyers for Waymo argued that Mr. Levandowski had reached an understanding with Uber before he left Google. To keep that agreement secret from Google, the Waymo lawyers said, Mr. Levandowski and Uber needed some cover, so they hatched a plan for Mr. Levandowski to create a... -

New York Times

05-04-2017 Delco students recognized by AAA as outstanding safeties AAA Mid-Atlantic and The Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education honored students from the Philadelphia region as Outstanding AAA School Safety Patrol Members for the 2016-’17 school year, including Nhaomi Lartey from Ardmore Avenue School and Michael Tully from Garrettford... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

05-04-2017 Bill would toughen penalties for repeat DUI offenders Legislation introduced in the state Senate would toughen penalties for repeat drunk drivers. The bill authored by state Sen. Scott Martin, R-Lancaster, would increase the penalty for a person who’s caught driving under the influence twice in a 10-year period.... - Johnstown Tribune-Democrat

05-04-2017 Zero accountability is status quo in Harrisburg Every day presents another example of the status-quo culture that continues to consume Harrisburg — a culture that embraces a mindset involving no common sense and no care in the world about how your hard-earned tax dollars are spent. Last week I learned from a York County municipality that because of state... - Levittown Intelligencer

05-04-2017 Legroom shrinks in American Airlines' economy class You know those cramped airline seats in the economy cabin? They're getting squeezed — again. On 100 new Boeing 737 Max jets American Airlines has ordered, the “pitch” — the front-to-back space between rows — will shrink by 2 inches, from 31 inches to 29. The rest of the rows in economy... - Philadelphia Inquirer

05-04-2017 Pro-marijuana group wants to adopt highway; PennDOT says no thanks Medical marijuana may be legal in Pennsylvania but that doesn't mean you'll be seeing the word "cannabis" on Adopt a Highway signs across the commonwealth. PennDOT recently ruled that the Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival couldn't adopt a stretch of road in Susquehanna County because the psychotropic drug... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

05-03-2017 PHIA: Thruway project moving toward new milestone (Press Release)

05-03-2017 Pittsburgh official: Drained batteries might have led to floodgate failure A power supply problem may have kept a floodgate from working Monday on Washington Boulevard, a Pittsburgh city official said Tuesday. “It could be that the batteries drained,” said Guy Costa, Pittsburgh’s chief operations officer. He said Bronder Technical Services of Prospect is investigating the matter for the city.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-03-2017 David Onorato tries to keep parking authority ahead of the curve Name: David G. Onorato Company: Pittsburgh Parking Authority Title: Executive director ------— For David Onorato, the most memorable time in his 12 years as head of the Pittsburgh Parking Authority came in 2012 when the authority began... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-03-2017 Stocks scuffle as slowing auto sales worry Wall Street NEW YORK — Despite strong results from industrial companies, stocks couldn't get any momentum going Tuesday after car makers said their sales are shrinking... - AP

05-03-2017 Commissioners draft $5 vehicle registration fee increase, final vote on $5 vehicle regitration fee increase The Centre County board of commissioners has drafted and published an new ordinance, which, if passed, will allow the county to implement a $5 vehicle registration fee increase. The ordinance was drafted by county staff and published on Friday in the Centre Daily Times ahead of the board’s vote.... - State College Centre Daily Times

05-03-2017 AAA urges Trump to focus on deteriorating roadways WILKES-BARRE — AAA Mid-Atlantic is urging the Trump administration to create an infrastructure program to fix the nation’s deteriorating roadways — a move it says that could reduce fatalities and serious injuries in the U.S. AAA put a number on how effective the program could be — it claims it... -

Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

05-03-2017 U.S. Rep. Barletta's response to United's CEO testimony before Congress ‘Horrified’ “We’ve all been horrified by the recent mistreatment of airline passengers. The American people want to know how the airlines plan to address these incidents and prevent them from happening in the future. Today’s hearing sent a message to the industry that if improvements are... - Scranton Times

05-03-2017 Salisbury Bypass lanes to reopen by summer On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, tourism is king in the summer. So, workers are racing to reopen the Salisbury Bypass to four lanes of traffic before the busy tourist season kicks into high gear. The Maryland State Highway Administration said Tuesday its goal is to shift... - York Daily

05-03-2017 Safety failures at Amtrak work site where two died the norm, worker says William Robinson was at a diner after an overnight shift doing maintenance on Amtrak’s rails when he got a phone call that sent him rushing back to the work site. Train 89, from New York to Savannah, Ga., struck a backhoe at 7:51 a.m. April 3, 2016, in Chester, at the site Robinson had left just minutes... - Philadelphia Inquirer

05-03-2017 RRTA closing Queen Street terminal for pavement repairs, buses going back to the street for summer The Lancaster city bus terminal on North Queen Street will be closed for a few months this summer so the crumbling roadway can be repaired. - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

05-03-2017 U.S. Auto Boom Seems to Be History, Just as Trump Counted on Jobs He added that the more optimistic consumer sentiment recorded since Mr. Trump’s election “hasn’t translated into what’s happening in dealerships where we’re trying to sell cars.” Moreover, the top six automakers in the American market all reported declines from their April sales a year ago, and in every case the falloff... - New York Times

05-03-2017 Donald Trump’s Very Good Idea: Raise the Gas Tax Every once in a while, President Trump says something that really makes sense, as when he suggested on Monday raising the federal gasoline tax to help pay for his infrastructure plan. Hold on to that thought, Mr. President. It’s a great idea. The federal fuel tax — 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.4... - New York Times

05-03-2017 Airlines blasted for poor customer service, inattention to passengers' rights U.S. lawmakers blasted airline executives Tuesday and urged an end to added fees, cramped seats, and poor customer service after public outrage over a passenger dragged off a flight last month. The hearing by the House Transportation Committee comes five days after... - Philadelphia Inquirer

05-03-2017 Airlines abuse passengers, and Washington weighs a crackdown — on passengers This is what laissez faire looks like. Washington, in its wisdom, deregulated the airline industry and later looked the other way as it underwent a series of mega-mergers leaving a four-carrier oligopoly controlling 85?percent of the market. And what do we have to show for it? Reduced competition; packed cabins; tiny seats;... - Washington Post

05-03-2017 Red Rose Access proposes fare hike for door-to-door service for elderly and impaired passengers The cost of using Red Rose Access services for elderly and impaired bus passengers may be rising. South Central Transit Authority has proposed fare increases for the door-to-door, shared-ride program for senior citizens and people with disabilities who are unable to use the regular Red Rose Transit Authority... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

05-03-2017 Better infrastructure If rural areas want to compete for business, they need to have similar infrastructure to what’s found in

urban areas. Fortunately Somerset County will be able to improve its Internet service in several regions thanks to a grant. - Somerset Daily

05-03-2017 Harrisburg sinkhole homes may go to tax sale if school board doesn’t act After more than 50 homes were damaged or put in jeopardy by a sinkhole in 2014, the residents of South 14th Street are ready to put it all behind them. The city and county are waiving their taxes to help make that happen as they wait on federal grant dollars to buy the homes, with plans to demolish... - Carlisle Sentinel

05-03-2017 PennDOT working on many road projects in Chester County State Sen. Andy Dinniman announced that PennDOT is currently in the process of rehabilitating six bridges in Chester County, among other transportation, highway, and road improvement projects slated for this spring and summer thanks to Act 89. “We are making great progress on improving our roads and bridges that... - West Chester Daily Local News

05-03-2017 GVF welcomes partner to ensure road safety, increase profitability KING OF PRUSSIA - GVF, a nonprofit dedicated to improving transportation and infrastructure in the region, has announced that TruckBlox has joined the partnership, according to a release. The mission at TruckBlox is to make roads safer for all drivers, roadside... - Reading Eagle

05-02-2017 Governor Wolf Requests Federal Disaster Aid for March Snowstorm (Press Release)

05-02-2017 Trump says he’s willing to consider raising gas tax to fund infrastructure plan WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Monday said he will explore the possibility of higher gasoline and diesel fuel taxes, suggesting an increase could pay for his ambitious infrastructure plan in what was seen as a potentially major policy change as his top advisers try to assemble a... - AP

05-02-2017 One floodgate on Washington Boulevard fails to activate during storm The thunderstorms that rolled through Western Pennsylvania on Monday uprooted trees and brought down branches and power lines, disrupting evening rush-hour traffic and interrupting power to as many as 25,000 Duquesne Light customers. But another headache emerged as one of the gates in the troubled floodgate... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-02-2017 Oregon-based Lithia Motors to acquire Baierl Automotive One of the biggest car retailers in the country is swallowing up Baierl Automotive, one of the biggest dealership names in Western Pennsylvania. Lithia Motors, based in Medford, Ore., announced the acquisition for undisclosed terms on Monday. Lithia chief financial officer John North said Pittsburgh car shoppers... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-02-2017 Let's make smart parking tools for Pittsburgh By Mark Fichman and Stephen E. Spear Can Pittsburgh become a Smart City, using data wisely, making the best use of its current resources and serving the needs of its citizens and visitors ? We think it can if we have the wit, wisdom and will to move forward.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-02-2017 Alle-Kiski Valley police hopeful on legislation to allow speeding radar use Local police still favor legislation that would allow them to use radar to catch speeders, and after more than three decades of disappointment they hope for success this year. “You always have cautious optimism, but after 30 years of beating our heads against the wall, you just kind of wait for it and hope that the... - Tarentum Valley News Dispatch

05-02-2017 Wrong on READ ID The Trib opinion page's stance on REAL ID is really troubling ( “Legislature & REAL ID: Fix state-created dilemma” ). I have held a valid Pennsylvania driver's license since 1963. At that time, it was just a card with a printed name and address. Later the federal... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

05-02-2017 Philadelphia Parking Authority magic is a con job Anyone whose car has been towed in Philadelphia knows the Parking Authority seems to have mystical powers. Even cars parked in legal spots can be magically whisked away before the owner returns. But who knew the authority’s magic extended to records that reveal how much public money... - Philadelphia Inquirer

05-02-2017 United CEO Munoz on hot seat as Congress examines air travel WASHINGTON (AP) - United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz is likely to face pointed questions as Congress examines customer service by U.S. airlines and how air travel can be improved... - AP

05-02-2017 Is Northeast Philadelphia airship 'the right solution'? Leonardo, the Italian-owned helicopter maker that employs 500 at its Northeast Philadelphia plant, and Boeing, which employs more than 4,000 at its Ridley Park helicopter factory, are rallying political and public support for Leonardo's made-in-Philadelphia MH-139 as the replacement for a... - Philadelphia Inquirer

05-02-2017 Here's what to expect during road widening on I-81 Drivers this week will encounter lane shifts on I-81 as construction for widening the highway to three lanes between Exits 70 and 72 begins, PennDOT said. road work ahead.jpgPennlive file photo Lanes in both directions are being shifted onto the right lane and right... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

05-02-2017 Are we there yet? - Roadwork on Interstate 81 Road maintenance began Monday along several miles of Interstate 81 southbound. As of 2 p.m., Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews had patched 30 tons worth of potholes, sealed cracks in three miles of the southbound passing lane, filled 91 bags of litter and picked up larger... - Scranton Times

05-02-2017 Airport board to consider ‘courteous’ security policy PITTSTON TWP. — Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport security staff would be barred from forcibly removing passengers from overbooked flights under a new policy the facility’s governing body will consider. Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley plans to introduce a... - Scranton Times

05-02-2017 Organization barred from adopting highway because of pro-pot stance, name LENOX TWP. — A local marijuana advocacy group’s plans to officially adopt a Susquehanna County highway went up in smoke after a state agency refused to approve the project. The state Department of Transportation last month denied the Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival LLC — a taxpaying business composed of marijuana... - Scranton Times

05-02-2017 New policy would bar local airport staff from forciblyremoving passengers PITTSTON TWP. — Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport security staff would be barred from forcibly removing passengers from overbooked flights under a new policy the facility’s governing body will consider. Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley plans to introduce a... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

05-02-2017 WBS airport board pondering new policy in light of United incident The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is pondering a new policy dealing with overbooking, officials say. At the May 18 board meeting, Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick O’Malley will formally ask the board to institute a policy in regards to handling law enforcement at the airport, Airport Executive Director Carl... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

05-02-2017 GVF welcomes partner to ensure road safety, increase profitability KING OF PRUSSIA - GVF, a nonprofit dedicated to improving transportation and infrastructure in the region, has announced that TruckBlox has joined the partnership, according to a release. The mission at TruckBlox is to make roads safer for all drivers, roadside... - Reading Eagle

05-02-2017 United CEO to testify before House committee examining air travel WASHINGTON — United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz is likely to face pointed questions as Congress examines customer service by U.S. airlines and how air travel can be improved... - AP

05-02-2017 Gasoline prices drop 3.4 cents over the last week in Lancaster; more declines expected soon After dropping 3.4 cents in Lancaster County over the last week, gasoline prices will probably continue to fall, Gasbuddy says. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline Monday in Lancaster was $2.56, according to GasBuddy’s weekly fuel gauge report.... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

05-02-2017 Turnpike ramps will be closed for roadwork this week at Route 283 interchange Entry and exit ramps to the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed this week at the Route 283 interchange in

Dauphin County, near Harrisburg, for roadwork. The project will affect three ramps, which will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on a rotating schedule. Workers will be laying a new, 2-inch layer of bituminous pavement on the... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

05-02-2017 Only reason for police radar: money Arming local police with radar is a thinly disguised attempt to unfairly tax safe motorists to fund the state Legislature, the courts, the radar manufacturers, the police and local municipalities by using half-truths and lies concerning highway safety. Radar should be banned in Pennsylvania. There is no epidemic crisis of... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

05-02-2017 Wolf Administration joins PennDOT in reminding motorcyclists to ride safely PR Newswire HARRISBURG — With both temperatures and the number of motorcycles appearing on Pennsylvania roadways rising, the Wolf Administration reminds everyone to share the road safely during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. “As more and more people enjoy the fun and excitement of motorcycling,... - Pocono Record

05-02-2017 Confronting dangerous drivers Franklin council is moving forward with plans to cut down on speeding drivers and open up congested streets in residential areas. Council members discussed numerous methods Monday night to confront the issue of dangerous drivers on Buffalo Street, Elk Street, Missouri Street... - Oil City Derrick

05-02-2017 Leadership turnover at the California High-Speed Rail Authority could signal shakeup The organizational chart of top management at California’s bullet train authority disappeared from the agency’s website about three months ago, sending what now seems like a sign of impending shakeup. Chief Executive Jeff Morales announced his departure on April 21 in a... - Los Angeles Times

05-02-2017 Pymatuning: Road reopening will link state park's entrances After almost two years and more than $8 million in reconstruction work, east will meet west again at Pymatuning State Park this Friday afternoon. That’s because the public road across the top of the park’s dam at Jamestown will reopen to traffic at 4 p.m. that day, according to Dan... - New Castle News

05-02-2017 Officials tout Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commision’s streetlight program WEST NORRITON >> Thirty-five municipalities across the greater Philadelphia region have seen the light, literally and figuratively, and are encouraging others to do the same. Local officials and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission held a joint reception Monday to talk about DVRPC’s Regional Streetlight... - Norristown Times Herald

05-02-2017 Latest threat for Pa. drivers: Opossums So many creatures have startled drivers in recent weeks that you might think there is a mass conspiracy in the animal kingdom to create havoc on area roads. Turkeys, spiders, squirrels, and ducks have all been blamed for crashes. And now, an opossum joins the list.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

05-01-2017 Wolf Administration Joins PennDOT in Reminding Motorcyclists to Ride Safely (Press Release)

05-01-2017 Gov. Wolf Joins PennDOT Secretary, Local Officials to Break Ground on... (Press Release)

05-01-2017 Ornate bridge railings send a message about Pittsburgh, vital role of infrastructure Infrastructure is big — the Greenfield Bridge spanning the Parkway East, the sprawling Pittsburgh International Airport, the maze of highways and roads that weave together southwestern Pennsylvania citizens, employers, amenities and services. But infrastructure can be small, too, and still have an impact on quality... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-01-2017 City's permits bureau will add electric vehicles to fleet by end of year If everything goes well, 10 Pittsburgh employees in the Bureau of Permits, Licensing and Inspections should begin using electric vehicles to do their jobs by the end of the year. The vehicles — and the stations that will charge them — will be made possible through two state grants. They will be among the first public... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-01-2017 Greenfield businesses, commuters adapt to closing of key bridge When the Greenfield Bridge closed in October 2015, businesses and residents feared the worst. That closure shut down the East End neighborhood’s direct link with Schenley Park and Oakland, inconveniencing a major source of customers for the neighborhood business district, creating longer commutes for residents,... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-01-2017 PUC chairman looks for balance between consumer, utilities Gladys Brown has been up in a bucket truck. She’s ridden in a self-driving car. She’s visited a gas well pad. “There are many times when we’re going through cases and I’m thinking, well, I think we need to have a road trip,” the chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-01-2017 Airline angst: After the United debacle, American behaves better Not long after the April 9 incident on United Airlines, in which a passenger was dragged off a plane by security muscle, American Airlines played host to a passenger debacle. And, of course, it went viral. A passenger accused a flight attendant of “violently” taking a... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-01-2017 Where does all the money from gas taxes and tolls go? I am truly at a loss and hope someone can help me understand something. In America, each day, drivers use about 385 million gallons of gas. The average federal and state taxes on each gallon of that gas are 49 cents. Over the course of a year that comes to approximately $68.6 billion a year.... - Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

05-01-2017 Riders, Leechburg community gather for annual Blessing of the Bikes ceremony The skies opened Sunday at noon and Cross Roads Church was finally able to bless about 150 motorcycles and their proud owners. It didn't rain like it did twice last year at the Blessing of the Bikes. The joint venture between Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church in... - Tarentum Valley News Dispatch

05-01-2017 Ligonier Valley Rail Road Association preps for ninth annual model train home tour Superman has been compared to a bird or a plane, but he's associated with trains at Rob Enrico's Hempfield home. Those who enter his basement during the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Association's ninth annual model train home tour May 20 can look for a miniature Man of Steel emerging from a phone booth. It's just one of the... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

05-01-2017 Overnight activities in Squirrel Hill Tunnel start Sunday PennDOT announced that overnight inspection activities in the Squirrel Hill Tunnel on the I-376 Parkway East in Pittsburgh will begin Sunday night. A single-lane restriction will occur in the tunnel from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night, according to the following schedule:... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

05-01-2017 Seniors should pay for SEPTA rides Seniors should pay for SEPTA rides If SEPTA will be giving free rides on Regional Rail, they should go to those in real financial need and not to all seniors, an age category I had hoped arriving Baby Boomers would lobby to banish ("Seniors will get free rides using Key on Regional Rail," Friday). Perhaps age-based entitlements... - Philadelphia Inquirer

05-01-2017 Several roads in and around the Lehigh Valley under construction Drivers should expect delays due to construction on several area roads and bridges. BETHLEHEM — Officials are planning to install lights on the Fahy Bridge in the city this week. Originally the work was planned for the last week of April, however, it was delayed due to inclement weather.... - Allentown Morning Call

05-01-2017 Weis' $90M investment this year could include some Lehigh Valley projects Supermarket chain Weis Markets Inc. is planning to invest $90 million in its growth this year, and a portion of that money could find its way to some of the company's dozen stores in the Lehigh Valley. Weis Chairman and CEO Jonathan Weis made the announcement Friday at the... - Allentown Morning Call

05-01-2017 Cashless toll booths operating on Beaver Valley Expressway BEAVER, Pa. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has begun using cashless tolling on a stretch of western Pennsylvania highway known as the Beaver Valley Expressway... - AP

05-01-2017 Lancaster city readies for traffic snarls as 3 big construction projects gear up in Penn Square radius While lauding the financial boon of several big, high-profile construction projects in Lancaster, city officials are gearing up for the inevitable traffic crunch that comes with the territory. - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

05-01-2017 Red Rose Transit Authority has replaced half its fleet of buses with hybrids The Red Rose Transit Authority's is half way to replacing its entire 41-bus fleet with hybrid buses like this. The Red Rose Transit Authority is halfway there in its bid to convert its entire fleet of 41 buses to cleaner, money-saving electric hybrids. The conversion to a greener fleet began in 2012 with the initial purchase... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

05-01-2017 Ambulance services could pay higher fee Oil City fire Chief Mark Hicks addressed members of Oil City Council during the panel's meeting late last week about updating its arrangements with three local ambulance services that are only capable of basic life support (BLS). Hicks said there are three separate contracts with Reno Ambulance,... - Oil City Derrick

05-01-2017 Crawford County schools preparing for state transportation cut possibility With Crawford County's three school district's working to whittle down varying budget deficits for the 2017- 18 school year, the announcement that the state may try to raise its revenue by cutting funding for school busing has been hard for local school officials to swallow.... - Meadville Tribune

05-01-2017 Changes to Pennsylvania State Police funding conceivable Making money and finding funding is a hot topic at all levels of government. In the state of Pennsylvania there have been significant conversations about the Motor License Fund. According to the fund, money from gasoline and other fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees and license taxes, are put into the fund for the... - Lewistown Sentinel

05-01-2017 ATA transit hub may be in Bradford's future The Area Transportation Authority (ATA) would like to have seven transit hubs in its region, including one in Bradford. Hubs have already been built in St. Marys and Punxsutawney and Bradford has been determined to be the most viable location to build the next one, said... - BRADFORD

05-01-2017 Route 36 improvement project to begin Work will begin Monday on the Route 36 Corridor Improvement Project in South Woodbury Township, Bedford County. The contractor, Cottle’s Asphalt Maintenance Inc. of Everett will begin installation of drainage pipes along Route 36. Utility companies will also be in the area working on relocations.... - Altoona Mirror

05-01-2017 Report: Gas prices appear poised to drop yet again in Pittsburgh area Gas prices dipped both in the Pittsburgh region and nationally last week, at least slightly. The average gallon of regular in Pittsburgh fell 0.4 cents to $2.71, according to price tracking website GasBuddy’s survey of about 700 gas stations int he region. Nationally, the average gallon is running $2.38, down 3.7 cents in the last... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-01-2017 Engineers Writing The Future Of Aviation In Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Just a few miles from Center City, Philadelphia, engineers are writing the future of aviation, with an aircraft expected to change the way we fly. Engineers and technicians at the Leonardo Company in Philadelphia are working to build the first commercial tiltrotor in the world. The AW609... - KYW News Radio 1060

05-01-2017 Crews Begin Parkway Cleanup Following NFL Draft PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The show is over, and now the cleanup begins. Both the NFL and the Streets Department are working around the clock to breakdown the equipment surrounding the NFL Draft — and pick up after the thousands of spectators. Forklifts, sweepers, and compact trash trucks swarm the Ben Franklin... - KYW News Radio 1060

05-01-2017 Pottstown trail plan could save pedestrian lives POTTSTOWN >> We’ve all heard how trails can help improve a community’s quality of life, but how often do you hear a trail can actually save lives? That may well be the case with the Manatawny Creek Trail being proposed from Memorial Park upstream to West Pottsgrove and Berks County.... - Pottstown Mercury

05-01-2017 County bridges included in PennDOT improvement project The state Department of Transportation is planning to improve the structural integrity of two bridges in Schuylkill County. The deck of the bridge on state Route 1001, the Port Carbon/Saint Clair Highway over Mill Creek in East Norwegian Township will be replaced, Ronald... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

05-01-2017 Watch for ramp closures for paving on Pa. Turnpike The Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closing three ramps to Route 283 and I-283 overnight this week during paving work in Lower Swatara Township. There will be closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on three ramps for paving as follows: Tuesday: Crews will close the ramp carrying northbound and southbound... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

04-30-2017 Port Authority to delay cashless T fares, promises fair enforcement of nonpayment Port Authority won’t start using its cashless pay system on the T on July 1, and when it does it won’t use racial profiling or other discriminatory policies to enforcement payment, agency officials said Friday. The authority announced the cashless system, which will involve riders... - pgaz

04-30-2017 Turnpike expands cashless tolling to Beaver Valley Expressway on Sunday No cash to pay the toll on the Beaver Valley Expressway? No problem. Beginning Sunday, the 16.5-mile tolled portion of Interstate 376 between Chippewa and New Castle will have no toll collectors. Motorists who don’t have an E-ZPass transponder will have a photograph taken of their... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-30-2017 Don't waste money on extending the Mon-Fayette Expressway The project to spend $2 billion on the extension of the Mon-Fayette Expressway is lately reborn. There already is a huge traffic backup between Penn Hills and the Squirrel Hill Tunnel every morning. This project would make that even worse. Why not instead extend the East Busway from Swissvale to the current end of... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-30-2017 The Mon-Fayette Expressway is crucial for the Mon corridor The April 23 editorial “The $2 Billion Question: The Mon-Fayette Extension Is Not the Best Use for This Money” overlooked major assets of the expressway project and, even more puzzling, called for Mon- Fayette Expressway funding to be spent outside of the southwestern Pennsylvania... - Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

04-30-2017 Brian O'Neill: Walkers and drivers and bikes, oh my! If Pittsburgh has the worst drivers in America, what chance does a pedestrian have? Demonstrators will gather Thursday afternoon in Lawrenceville in the hope of increasing walkers’ odds of making it across the road but, before I get to that, let me make a U-turn back to our famously lousy driving.... - Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

04-30-2017 PennDOT roadwork in Westmoreland County to begin PennDOT's plans for work in Westmoreland County beginning Monday include paving on Ross Mountain Park Road in Ligonier and Fairfield townships and milling asphalt on Route 136 between Fourth Street and Route 31. Crews also will repair the base of that stretch of Route 136; motorists are advised... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-30-2017 Former CMU professor to lead Uber self-driving car efforts in Pittsburgh A former Carnegie Mellon University robotics professor has taken the wheel of Uber's self-driving car efforts in Pittsburgh. Eric Meyhofer, who co-founded Carnegie Robotics and worked there until joining Uber in 2015, will take over for Anthony Levandowski amid Uber's... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-30-2017 Amtrak warns of ‘significant outages’ as N.J. lawmakers seek answers on commuter chaos Commuters will face “significant outages” during work at New York City's Penn Station this summer, Amtrak officials said Friday, testifying before New Jersey lawmakers about the agency’s response to a series of breakdowns at the station over the past month. But officials didn’t yet know how exactly riders will

be impacted by... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-30-2017 SEPTA gets first drug-detection K-9 from local nonprofit Throw Away Dogs Project, a local nonprofit that rescues potential police K-9s, had donated 17 dogs to police and corrections agencies around the country, but none in the Philadelphia area. That changed with the donation of Kilo, a Belgian Malinois, to SEPTA.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-30-2017 Food service and hotel workers plan a rally at PHL Food service and hospitality workers will rally at Philadelphia International Airport at 9:30 a.m. Monday and later join a march at City Hall at noon organized by Juntos, an immigrant rights group. Monday is International Workers' Day, and the union Unite Here is sponsoring rallies... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-30-2017 N.J. among states considering tougher seat belt laws. Do they work? In his 28 years with the Utah Highway Patrol, Lt. Lee Perry has seen a lot of carnage from crashes in which motorists weren’t wearing seat belts. One crash in 2013 really struck home: He arrived at a scene where two teen passengers in a truck had been ejected in a rollover and discovered one was... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-28-2017 Federal money for Downtown-Oakland BRT proposal could be in jeopardy Capital funding for projects such as the Port Authority’s proposed Bus Rapid Transit system between Downtown Pittsburgh and Oakland is in limbo as part of the federal budget debate. “We are in the midst of a battle,” said Art Guzzetti, vice president of policy and research for the American Public Transportation... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-28-2017 Wind turbine may be added to Ross bus garage The Port Authority of Allegheny County wants to add a wind turbine to the bus garage in Ross to supply sustainable energy. “We are exploring and assessing how we might use wind to cut costs and provide environmental benefits,” said Adam Brandolph, authority spokesman.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-28-2017 Mon-Fayette Expressway no highway of dreams “If you build it, he will come,” the ghostly voice told the fictional Ray Kinsella in 1989's movie classic “Field of Dreams.” Change “he” to “they” and you'll find the nebulous rationale too often employed to justify the building of new toll highways in Pennsylvania.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-28-2017 Police charge teen who organized group bike ride on Vine Street Expressway The teen who organized a group bicycle ride of at least 100 people on the Vine Street Expressway on Sunday was arrested Thursday morning and charged with disorderly conduct, state police said Thursday. The group, which state police said was "estimated to be in the hundreds,"... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-28-2017 Free rides for seniors coming on Regional Rail When SEPTA's Key fare card comes to Regional Rail this fall, it will bring some good news for senior citizens: free rides. SEPTA will eliminate the $1 fee seniors currently pay on Regional Rail’s 13 lines for anyone with SEPTA’s Senior ID Cards for those 65 and older. The change comes as SEPTA works to convert all of its riders... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-28-2017 Amtrak stepping 'up its game' means more delays at Penn Station NEW YORK -- Rail travelers who have endured major disruptions recently at Penn Station, the nation's busiest rail station, are likely to see more delays this summer because it's in dire need of repair work, Amtrak officials said Thursday... - AP

04-28-2017 PennDOT: I-81 fixes will mean driver headaches Prepare for major traffic jams starting Monday on Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County. The state Department of Transportation plans to condense a summer of basic highway maintenance on I-81 into the first three weeks of May. While crews work between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., traffic will be reduced to a... - Scranton Times

04-28-2017 LCTA earns 2 state awards KINGSTON — The Luzerne County Transportation Authority earned two awards from a state transportation association. The Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association, a group that

represents public transit agencies, awarded LCTA the “System Achievement Award” and the “Distinguished Service Award for Community... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

04-28-2017 Historic Layton Bridge repair or replacement project several years away PERRYOPOLIS — The Layton Bridge in Perry Township was designed to carry trains carrying 100-ton loads when it was built in 1899. The historic state-owned bridge is now used for vehicle traffic, but it has been declared structurally deficient and is limited to loads of 20 tons.... - Uniontown Herald-Standard

04-28-2017 PennDOT completing major projects in Fayette, Mon Valley The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation had a busy year in 2016, completing major projects in Fayette County and continuing Mon Valley projects including bridge work and flood damage repair in the Connellsville area. “We had a lot of things going on, and we have a ton of projects... - Uniontown Herald- Standard

04-28-2017 Some fear Pennsylvania's acting too slowly on IDs Harrisburg, PA With a looming federal deadline for the Pennsylvania Legislature to show movement on enacting Real ID, some lawmakers doubt they can pull it off in the next six weeks. Without further action soon from the Legislature or a break from the federal government, Pennsylvanians with only a driver's license will be... - Reading Eagle

04-28-2017 In support of DUI legislation It was great to read in April 24’s newspaper (“DUI bills would toughen penalties”) that our legislators are pushing for tougher penalties for people who drive while under the influence. The current law that mandates a minimum of 10 days in jail for those who endanger everyone... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

04-28-2017 Council OKs $2 million skyway to be financed with state grant Avoiding any appearance of using city general fund dollars, City Council authorized Thursday the administration’s pursuit of funds toward a $2 million pedestrian skywalk that would cross West Third Street and link a parking garage to Trade and Transit I and II buildings.... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

04-28-2017 Repairs scheduled to begin next month on Matthews Run bridge A bridge in the county will soon be undergoing maintenance. Construction for the Route 27 Matthews Run Road bridge, spanning Hazeltine Hollow Run in Brokenstraw Township, is scheduled to begin as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Rapid Bridge... - Warren Times Observer

04-28-2017 Vote on $5 Centre County Vehicle Fee Increase Set for May 9 Centre County residents will know May 9 if they have to tack an additional $5 onto their annual Pennsylvania vehicle registration fee. At the Centre County Board of Commissioners meeting April 25, the board voted to advertise an ordinance proposing to levy an additional $5 vehicle... - State College News

04-28-2017 Public bus system moves forward Local partners seek PennDOT demonstration grant. LOCK HAVEN — The initiative to determine if a public bus system can fit the dynamics of rural Clinton County took a step forward Thursday. The county commissioners and their partners are looking into the possibility of applying for a three-year demonstration grant from the... - Lock Haven Express

04-28-2017 Company intends to deconstruct railroad overpass, proposal states Tentatively planned move would reduce impacts on people of Putneyville. It’s a move that will benefit not only the people of Putneyville and surrounding Mahoning Township, but those who reside in and travel through all of northern Armstrong County. - Kittanning Leader-Times

04-28-2017 With New Funding, Didi Chuxing, an Uber Rival, Looks Beyond China When Uber pulled out of China last summer, it appeared to be the end of two years of frenzied competition with the local rival Didi Chuxing. Yet with a new funding round that has brought in $5.5 billion, it seems the Chinese firm wants to take the rivalry global.... - New York Times

04-28-2017 Uber Executive Steps Back From Self-Driving Cars During Waymo Legal Fight Anthony Levandowski, the Uber executive accused of stealing trade secrets from Google, is stepping aside from leading some of the company’s work on self-driving vehicles, amid a bare-knuckled legal fight

between the two technology giants. Mr. Levandowski, one of the self-driving-car industry’s more... - New York Times

04-28-2017 More States Adopt ‘Click It or Ticket’ Laws; Do They Work? Seat Belt Use Up Over the years, seat belt use nationally has jumped from nearly 71 percent in 2000 to 90 percent in 2016, according to a survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which sends observers to randomly selected sites each year.... - Stateline.org

04-28-2017 Coalition raises racial issue over Port Authority cashless system A group of transit advocates will get a delay in the beginning of the Port Authority's cashless pay system that was expected to begin July 1. A coalition of activists and social service agencies asked the authority board to to delay its planned cashless fare system because of concerns... - Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

04-28-2017 Port Authority taps veteran administrator Donahoe to lead agency on interim basis The Port Authority on Friday named David L. Donahoe, a veteran administrator who has run numerous public agencies in the past, as its interim CEO. Mr. Donahoe, 68, who most recently served as interim executive at the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, replaces Ellen McLean, who was... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-28-2017 For state, passport to problems Paranoia and blind ideology aren’t the best foundations for governance. They’re also expensive. Congress passed a law in 2005, in response to the 2001 terrorist attacks, requiring states to establish standards for driver’s licenses and other state-issued identification to thwart counterfeiting.... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

04-28-2017 Friday’s Sound Off The last school board election the Spring-Ford president and vice president stood on my porch, looked me in the eyes and said there’s absolutely no plans for a new fitness facility. Well now that they’re putting the finishing touches on building the new facility they’re asking for my... - Pottstown Mercury

04-28-2017 ArcelorMittal receives funding for railroad upgrades COATESVILLE >> ArcelorMittal recently received state funding to invest in its railroad operations at the steel mill. The projects, which are funded through PennDOT’s Rail Freight Assistance Program, were approved by the State Transportation Commission. They are:... - West Chester Daily Local News

04-28-2017 Bipartisan effort celebrated at Route 796 project PENN >> As the speakers took to the microphone at the Route 796 ground breaking on Thursday, the words they used over and over were “bipartisan” and “group effort.” And it was obvious that the whole thing could not have come together without a lot of cooperation from all sides.... - West Chester Daily Local News

04-28-2017 Maryland approves roundabout as link for Interstate 68, Route 219 A roundabout will be the centerpiece of a stretch of Maryland highway that could help connect the Johnstown region to economic opportunities, officials announced this week. Maryland Department of Transportation officials presented the final design of the planned 1.4-mile segment of four-lane U.S. Route 219 on Monday at... - Johnstown Tribune-Democrat

04-28-2017 Vernon Township supervisor candidates lay out their views at forum VERNON TOWNSHIP — Five candidates vying for a chance to be elected supervisor of Vernon Township fielded an array of questions ranging from whether real estate should be reassessed to if township police should be permitted to use radar, at a forum Thursday night at the township Municipal... - Meadville Tribune

04-28-2017 Impact fee funds going for 2 bridges Marcellus Shale impact fee money will go toward the upgrading of two bridges in Lawrence County. The county commissioners agreed to allocate $50,000 to New Wilmington Borough for work on a bridge on Maple Street, and $60,000 to North Beaver Township for work to be done on the Burkey Road Bridge.... - New Castle News

04-28-2017 Allegheny County's Port Authority hires interim CEO for $14K a month David Donahoe, former executive director of the Allegheny Regional Asset District, will serve as the Port Authority interim CEO, the board decided Friday. Donahoe, 68 of Stanton Heights, will make $14,000 per month, plus benefits, according to the resolution.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-28-2017 Disaster training at LVIA will draw more than 100 emergency responders Don't panic this Saturday if you see a large number of emergency responders heading to LVIA, it's only a drill. Lehigh Valley International Airport will be holding a full-scale disaster exercise 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to test its Airport Emergency Plan. The drill,... - Allentown Morning Call