November 15 - 21, 2019

Contents Around the Rotunda Around the Rotunda . . . . . 1 Committee News ...... 1 No Around the Rotunda this week. Bullet .in .Points...... 13 Committee News Cosponsor Memos. . . . . 14 Bill Actions ...... 14 House Transportation Committee 11/18/19, 11:30 a.m., Room B-31, Main Capitol Building Upcoming Events...... 27 By Sheri Melnick, Legislative Services In the News...... 28 The committee met to consider legislation. SESSION STATUS At 3:53 p.m. on Thursday, Chairman (R-Chester) noted that “the big item on the agenda” is the November 21, 2019 the authorization of radar by municipalities other than state police. Senate stands in recess until the call of the President Pro HB 1536 Miller, Brett - (PN 1954) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) defining “vulnerable highway Tempore. user” as a pedestrian or a person on roller skates, inline skates, a skateboard, motor- driven cycle, motorcycle, pedalcycle, motorized pedalcycle, pedalcycle with electric assist, At 3:33 p.m. on Thursday, an animal, an animal-drawn vehicle, a farm vehicle or a wheelchair. Also increases the November 21, 2019 the penalties for a person convicted of careless driving that results in the death, seriously bodily House stands adjourned until injury or bodily injury of a vulnerable highway user. Effective in 120 days. - The bill was Monday, December 16, 2019 unanimously reported as amended. at 1:00 p.m., unless sooner recalled by the Speaker. A03771 by Hennessey, reduces certain penalties and makes technical changes. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

UPCOMING SESSION DAYS Rep. Brett Miller (R-Lancaster) explained that this bill pertains to an issue brought to his attention by a constituent and noted that the bill passed out of committee unanimously last House session. He emphasized that those who use roads in Pennsylvania are “getting aggressive” Dec. 16, 17, 18 and “impatient” and noted that the bill would establish an extra duty of care when dealing Senate with a vulnerable highway user. Dec. 18 Rep. (D-Montgomery) remarked that three years ago, her niece was hit and killed by a car in Philadelphia. She expressed her gratitude to Rep. Miller for introducing the legislation and said it was “really important for people who have lost people or those suffering from injuries.”

Minority Chairman Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne) explained that the amendment does not repeal the following sections of the Vehicle Code: reckless driving, homicide by vehicle, and aggravated assault by vehicle. He said that the amendment makes the bill more “precise” and does not limit the ability of police officers to write citations.

Rep. (R-Allegheny) asked if a driver would be penalized if they hit a pedestrian on a roadway where the pedestrian should not be. Rep. Miller responded that if someone is on a road unlawfully, the bill would not apply to them. Rep. Mizgorski asked what is considered “unlawfully.” Rep. Miller stated that the Vehicle Code does specify what lawful and unlawful behavior is “in regards to pedestrians, bicyclists, or horse and buggy.” Rep. Mizgorski remarked that there are certain highways where someone would not expect a pedestrian. She asserted that she wants to make sure that someone would not be charged if a pedestrian was hit in a location where they were not expected. Rep. (R-Luzerne) asked if this would apply to protestors in the street. Rep. Miller explained that what the individual is doing is not “germane” to the issue of whether or not they are on the road lawfully. He asserted that if they are on the road lawfully, and protesting, then they are a lawful user of the road.

Rep. (R-Carbon) asked what the standard is for passing someone on a bicycle. Rep. Miller responded that it is four feet currently, which the amendment would remove.

Rep. Heffley asked if this bill would apply if there is a protestor who is blocking a vehicle and was hit when the driver pulled their car out. Rep. Miller asserted that presence or absence of law enforcement would not change whether the protestor was lawfully there or not. Matt Rucci, Republican research analyst, noted that it would depend on the incident and would be treated on a “case-by-case basis.” Rep. Heffley explained that he wants to protect pedestrians who are walking on roads legally and asserted his worry over law-abiding citizens who are in a “tough spot” with protestors. Josiah Shelly, Republican executive director, stated that those issues would not be covered by this bill.

Rep. (D-Philadelphia) asked if the penalties addressed in this bill would supersede other traffic-related offenses if someone was charged with those. Rucci stated that the penalties associated with this bill would be added on.

HB 1849 Lewis, Andrew (F) - (PN 2556) Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 39 in Dauphin County, from Dover Road to Forest Hills Drive, as the Officer Mark Gaspich Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1868 Gabler, Matt - (PN 2588) Act designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 11414, on U.S. Route 219 in Brady Township, Cleary County, as the Lance Corporal Robert Clyde Gontero Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1870 Topper, Jesse - (PN 2589) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 1036 over Six Mile Run, Broad Top Township, Bedford County, as Sergeant David Leon Barber Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1913 Dush, Cris - (PN 2676) An Act designating a bridge, identified by Bridge Key 19699, on that portion of State Route 2003 over Mahoning Creek in Big Run Borough, Jefferson County, as the SP4 James Wise, Jr., and PFC James Wingert USMC Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1915 Cook, Bud - (PN 2678) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 8042 over U.S. Route 40, West Brownsville Borough, Washington County, as the SFC Thomas McDonough Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1946 Hershey, Johnathan (F) - (PN 2710) An Act designating a bridge, identified by Bridge Key 46789, on that portion of State Route 3012 over Back Creek on the border of Hamilton Township and St. Thomas Township, Franklin County, as the Sergeant Melvin G. Ehrhart Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1973 Gregory, James (F) - (PN 2736) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 4027 over Bald Eagle Creek, Sharon Township, Blair County, as the Cpl. Donald L. Westley Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 2000 Murt, Thomas - (PN 2805) Act designating the portion of County Line Road between Warminster Road and Newtown Road in Montgomery County as the Captain William J. Ahlum Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 2001 Murt, Thomas - (PN 2806) Act designating the portion of County Line Road between Warminster Road and Jacksonville Road in Montgomery County, as the Specialist 4 Harold E. Cashman Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days.

2 - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1985 Lawrence, John - (PN 2790) Amends the Outdoor Advertising Control Act providing a religious institution to have one two-sided sign, provided that it is near their facility and has local municipal approval. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as amended.

A03730 by Lawrence, amends the bill to exempt signs covered by the federal Fixing America›s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester) commented that with regards to the amendment, the underlying issue was brought to his attention by a church in his district which had signage that was not in compliance and had been there for 30 to 40 years. He stated that the FAST Act addresses this situation and under this act, a state needs to opt in, and the bill would provide for that.

SB 607 Scavello, Mario - (PN 675) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in rules of the road in general, further providing that any police officer may use an electronic speed meter, radar or light detection and ranging devices upon approval by local ordinance and completion of training requirements. The legislation provides for a revenue cap on the amount of money a municipality may keep from speeding tickets and calibration standards for radar guns. - The bill was reported as amended with Rep. Lynda Culver (R-Northumberland) voting in the negative.

A03858 by Rothman, limits RADAR/LIDAR to full-time police officers at full-time municipal departments, reduces municipal fine revenue caps, and makes technical changes. The amendment was adopted with Representatives Lawrence and Culver voting in the negative.

A03720 by Rothman, guts and replaces the bill language, creating a local police radar pilot program in counties of the first through fourth class. The amendment was withdrawn.

Chairman Hennessey explained that there are fears that the committee has tried to address by introducing amendments and the bill. He asserted that radar is a “touchy issue.”

Rep. (R-Cumberland) explained that for over 50 years, legislators have been trying to allow radar to be used in municipalities. He asserted that the bill represents compromise and noted that his amendment lowers the percentage of the police department’s budget generated by radar-related speeding fines to 10 percent. He asserted that his amendment is an “incremental step.”

Chairman Carroll remarked that the use of radar for local police has been in the conversation for decades. He opined that local police ought to have the ability to enforce speed with radar, whether full-time or part-time. He asserted that he will “reluctantly” support the amendment with the hope of allowing all police officers in the commonwealth to be able to enforce speed with radar.

Rep. Culver expressed concerns because of the amendment requiring a full-time officer in a full-time police department. She stated that according to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), there are 833 municipal police departments in Pennsylvania, 200 of which do not provide full-time coverage and rely on Pennsylvania State Police for some coverage. Rep. Culver noted that Pennsylvania has the third highest number of speed-related fatalities in the U.S. She said, “All residents of Pennsylvania deserve the same ability to protect themselves.” She urged members to oppose the amendment and “fix it going forward.”

Rep. Mizgorski stated that this bill is a “tool to educate drivers for the purposes of safety” and that she does not think it is “fair” to exclude part-time police officers. She asked Rep. Rothman if legislators would need to have new legislation to allow part-time police officers the ability to use radar. Rep. Rothman remarked on the need for new legislation to include part-time officers. He stated that no local police department has the ability to use radar. He asserted that his amendment is making a “huge” step forward. He noted that some rural legislators did not want this to apply to their areas. Rep. Rothman stated that

3 what his amendment does is get legislators to the point where there is a bill which can show those who object “that it can be done responsibly.” He stated that his amendment represents “compromise.”

Rep. Mizgorski stated that she will be supporting the amendment and hopes that legislators are able to revisit the issue in the future.

Chairman Hennessey remarked on his expectation that the issue of whether the use of radar will extend to all police forces will be addressed on the House floor.

Rep. Lawrence echoed comments of colleagues regarding the inability of part-time officers to use radar. He asked if “primary use” and “generate revenue” are defined in the bill. Shelly noted they are not.

Rep. Lawrence suggested that the primary reason a person was pulled over could be to “generate revenue” and opined that any ticket would not hold up if questioned in court. Rep. Rothman asserted that his amendment has a limit of revenue. Rep. Lawrence opined that unless there was not a fine associated with speeding, “it leaves the door open for endless litigation.” Shelly pointed out that with Senate Bill 607 as currently written, the primary use is for traffic safety purposes.

Rep. Lawrence stated that the letter provided to the committee from the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association addresses the issue of full-time versus part-time police departments. He asked if the Pennsylvania State Police would pick up the patrols that the local police cannot conduct. He echoed the comments of Rep. Culver regarding the trust of local police who can use deadly force but not radar guns.

Rep. Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware) noted her support of the amendment in the bill and emphasized her understanding the idea of compromise is to move legislation forward.

- 30 -

House Appropriations Committee 11/18/19, 2:05 p.m., Room 140, Main Capitol By Harrison Cann, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

HB 1665 Staats, Craig - (PN 2223) A freestanding act designating a bridge, identified by bridge key 7381 located on North Main Street over the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, Sellersville, in Sellersville Borough, Bucks County, as the Sellersville Veterans Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1719 Sanchez, Ben (F) - (PN 2311) An act designating a bridge in Abington Township, Montgomery County as the Captain Samuel Schultz Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

HB 1907 Rothman, Greg - (PN 2674) An Act designating the bridge carrying State Route 1025 over U.S. Route 11/15 in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, as the Senator Hal Mowery Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

- 30 -

4 Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 11/18/19, 4:25 p.m., Rules Committee Conference Room, Main Capitol By Robert Cochran, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

SB 146 Brooks, Michele - (PN 680) Amends Title 35 (Health and Safety), in Commonwealth services, providing for online training of firefighters. The bill requires the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to establish guidelines for the use of money deposited into the Online Training Educator and Training Reimbursement Account and dedicated for the purposes of developing, delivering and sustaining training programs for firefighters. The guidelines shall provide that the money be used for online training for volunteer and career firefighters. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 120, 426) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

SB 147 Laughlin, Daniel - (PN 1354) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking, authorizing the Game Commission to allow for hunting on three Sundays each calendar year. Provides for the offense of trespass while hunting. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee shall prepare a financial analysis of fees, fines, penalties, royalties, federal and state appropriations and other sources of revenue received by the commission and of expenditures, including annual operating costs, investments, land purchases and capital projects. Further provides a person required to secure a hunting license to hunt commits an offense if, while engaged in hunting on Sunday, the person enters private land without obtaining written permission of the landowner, an agent of the landowner or lessee. Effective in 90 days. (Prior Printer Number: 125, 195, 1066, 1283, 1329) - The bill was reported as committed, with Minority Chairman (D-Allegheny) and Senators (R-Mercer) and Lawrence Farnese (D-Philadelphia) voting in the negative.

SB 456 Bartolotta, Camera - (PN 1266) Amends the Private Licensed Schools Act removing the definition of «adequate correction service»; adding definitions for branch facility, distance education and teach-out; and amending definitions for multi-branch training school and private licensed school. Removes the requirement that a branch facility be located within the same county as the licenses school. Amends the multibranch training school fee to provide that such schools pay the same as private licensed schools. Further provides a licensed school shall receive approval from the State Board of Private Licensed Schools to open a branch facility only if the school has been operational for two years prior to requesting approval for the branch facility and is in good standing with the board. Also provides a licensed school may only operate a branch facility in a county contiguous to the licensed school or within less than a 60-mile radius of the licensed school. Amends the powers and duties of the State Board of Private Licensed Schools and places requirements on private licensed schools facing closure. Also increases civil penalties. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 451, 1056) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

Certain executive nominations were designated to standing committee for consideration.

- 30 -

5 Senate Appropriations Committee 11/18/19, 4:30 p.m., Rules Committee Conference Room, Main Capitol By Robert Cochran, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

SB 596 Mensch, Bob - (PN 1343) Amends Title 66 (Public Utilities), in restructuring of electric utility industry, providing for transportation fueling infrastructure development. Requires the Public Utility Commission to establish a goal for statewide expansion of transportation electrification that is 50 percent above current market forecasts for December 31, 2030, in the assessment. Further, the commission shall issue transportation electrification infrastructure development plan guidelines for electric distribution companies. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 665) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

Sen. (R-Montgomery) said this is an effort to help capitalize on developing electric transportation infrastructure networks and relates to natural gas and hydrogen vehicle infrastructure.

Chairman (R-Lehigh) said the legislation provides a 25 percent cap on limitation of costs charged to consumers, and includes an $18 million annual cost.

- 30 -

Senate Transportation Committee 11/19/19, 11:30 a.m., Room 8E-B, East Wing By Emily Mistishen, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

SB 954 Ward, Kim - (PN 1371) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, establishing vehicle registration stickers for display on Pennsylvania license plates. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was reported as committed with Sen. (R-Franklin) voting in the negative.

Chairman (R-Westmoreland) explained Act 89 of 2013 eliminated car registration sticker requirements to cut costs. Automatic license plate readers were intended to replace the stickers, she continued, but there are only around six or seven readers available in the commonwealth. She remarked a fund was supposed to be established for readers, and she indicated it is time to revisit the issue due to the lack of funds and available readers.

Sen. Mastriano opined he agreed with the initial removal of stickers, marking it as a sign of cutting back on «bureaucratic... red tape.» However, he remarked he would support stickers in order to remove the usage of «intrusive» license plate readers. Chairman Ward indicated some states have pulled back on similar legislation.

Minority Chairman (D-Philadelphia) noted the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is opposed to the legislation. He added he will vote yes on the bill in order to move it and continue discussions on it, but remarked he wants to ensure issues are solved.

Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) opined the intent of Act 89 was not to promote non-compliance and that he wants to hear from PennDOT to ensure money is not being lost because people are not complying.

Following the vote, the committee held a confirmation hearing on the re-nomination of Dr. William Lieberman as Pennsylvania Turnpike commissioner.

Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) introduced Dr. Lieberman and remarked on his integrity and responsiveness as commissioner.

6 He outlined Dr. Lieberman›s background and experience and asserted that he believes Dr. Lieberman will continue to do a good job, including with current issues regarding Turnpike tolling.

Dr. William Lieberman, Pennsylvania Turnpike commissioner, commended the work of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission staff. He went on to thank Sen. Costa, Sen. Joseph Scarnati (R-Jefferson), and Gov. Tom Wolf for allowing Turnpike staff to run the commission “professionally.”

Chairman Ward stated legislation was passed in 2008 to allow for speed enforcement cameras in work zones. She questioned what the status is for Turnpike implementation of the cameras or any similar work zone safety measures. Craig Shuey, chief operating officer, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, explained testing has begun for the first apparatus for speed enforcement cameras. The expectation is to have a fully automated speed enforcement system in place by spring of next year, he added, noting that work zone safety is a top priority for the commission and for PennDOT.

Chairman Sabatina commended Turnpike staff for their responsiveness and opined that maintaining communication is essential. Dr. Lieberman stated that if the responsiveness does not continue, legislators should reach out to him. “If we slip up,” he said, “we need to be responsible.”

Sen. (R-Monroe) remarked he has used the Pennsylvania Northeast Extension and praised the commission for the project. He noted that he has not experienced issues while traveling and that the project will bring many benefits. Dr. Lieberman highlighted the work of the chief engineer on the project.

Sen. (R-Washington) thanked Dr. Lieberman for his work in safety measures and acknowledged the amount of work that goes into the Turnpike.

Sen. (D-Allegheny) thanked Dr. Lieberman for his work in the commission. He highlighted the Mon-Fayette Expressway in Monroeville and asked Dr. Lieberman for a comment on the project. Dr. Lieberman asserted he is a fan of the expressway and opined the expressway will “open up the valley” and boost the economy.

Sen. Patrick Stefano (R-Fayette) expressed his gratitude for Dr. Lieberman’s commitment and his work in bringing his business expertise to the commission.

Chairman Ward remarked that Turnpike staff has consistently been professional and responsive. She indicated the goal is to continue conversations around Act 44 of 2007.

Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) commended the coordination between PennDOT and the Turnpike in northeastern Pennsylvania. Additionally, he commented on the addition John Wozniak as a commissioner on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and “how happy you are to work with my former Senate colleague.” Dr. Lieberman responded, “We’re very happy to have Wozniak on the Turnpike and it’s an adventure every day.”

The nomination was unanimously reported with a favorable recommendation.

- 30 -

7 House Appropriations Committee 11/19/19, 11:52 a.m., Room 140 Main Capitol Building By Jeff Cox, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider four bills.

SB 166 Hughes, Vincent - (PN 280) The Capital Budget Act of 2019-2020 provides for the capital budget for the fiscal year 2019-2020. Appropriates the following amounts: building and structures ($1,100,000,000); furniture and equipment ($20,000,000); transportation assistance projects ($350,000,000); redevelopment assistance projects (550,000,000); flood control projects ($0) Effective July 1, 2019, or immediately, whichever is later. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

- 30 -

Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee 11/19/19, 3:55 p.m., Rules Committee Conference Room, Main Capitol By Harrison Cann, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider executive nominations.

Certain executive nominations were unanimously reported.

- 30 -

Senate Transportation Committee Senate Health and Human Services Committee 11/20/19, 9:30 a.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building By Sheri Melnick, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee held a hearing on the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP).

Chairman Brooks noted that the hearing is being held to discuss the state Medical Assistance Transportation Program and the concerns raised after a move to revamp the system through a state-wide broker. She explained that the General Assembly, through Act 19, has made a request to address the positive and negative impacts of the shift to the brokerage model. She emphasized that she shares the concerns and wants to ensure that those who use the services will have their needs met.

Sen. Street remarked that the issue of medical transportation is an issue that impacts all parts of the commonwealth. He noted that even people in urban areas require transportation to get to doctors’ appointments and may have mobility issues.

Chairman Ward remarked that she heard from “numerous” transportation providers following the passage of Act 40 on the potential impacts of moving to a full-brokerage model. With the passage of Act 19, she noted, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is required to hold the procurement process and conduct a study. She stated that MATP provided over 9 million trips across the state during 2016 and 2017. She noted that today’s discussion is “timely.”

Rebecca May-Cole, executive director, Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A), explained that P4A represents all 52 area agencies on aging (AAAs) that serve Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. She noted that for over 40 years, AAAs have been the “no wrong door” community partner where seniors can learn about services available to them.

May-Cole spoke about a small rural AAA that provides transportation for their consumers in Blair County. She noted that the average cost to a consumer is $1.50, and Blair Senior Services (BSS) has not had a fare increase since 2013. She

8 asserted that with the implementation of a brokerage model by MATP, BSS would need to remove five vans per day, which will increase rural ride times and result in a fare increase. She said, “Transportation is a key component of a person’s health and wellbeing. We must not jeopardize this for our older adults.”

May-Cole spoke of an 89-year-old senior in rural western Pennsylvania who has developed relationships with his drivers. She noted that with the implementation of moving to a full-risk broker model for the delivery of MATP, P4A is concerned about the loss of consumer protections, a risk of isolation, and the loss of independence and the ability to age in place.

May-Cole noted that if MATP trips are removed from the current coordinated delivery model, the transportation providers will be forced to either cut back on or discontinue services in the communities they serve. She explained that significant consumer disruption is also expected as consumers who use multiple transportation programs and services will be required to make one phone call to the broker and navigate a separate, “likely out-of-state” call center process to schedule their medical trips, as well as a separate call to the transit agency to schedule non-medical trips.

May-Cole expressed her concern that changing the delivery model for MATP would impact all users of public transportation. She noted that multiple trip planning systems may mean additional cost implications for the state.

May-Cole also noted that “a full-risk brokerage will translate to fewer medical trips for Pennsylvanians and increased costs to taxpayers.” She concluded by stating that the changes in consumer behavior that will result from the broker model should be evaluated as they may result in poorer health and increased hospital admissions.

Jeff Iseman, public policy and outreach coordinator, Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council (PA SILC), explained that the primary concern of his organization regarding the move to a full-scale transportation brokerage model includes the lack of broad-based consumer statewide input, reductions in access to health care with less transportation options, increased costs to consumers to offset losses to MATP funds, and the impact on Community HealthChoices (CHC). He also indicated concerns about whether drivers under the brokerage model would be properly trained to work with people with disabilities as well as the lower reimbursement rates for self-transportation.

Mark Edwards, MATP shared ride user, asked legislators not to vote out of the current program. He urged them to “keep the system the way it is now.” He remarked that there would be problems if the broker model is implemented. He commented that people want to stay in their own homes and want to be independent. Edwards asserted that the broker model “won’t work.”

Sally Kozak, deputy secretary, Office of Medical Assistance Programs, DHS, explained that nationally there are three models used to provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, which are the in-house, managed care, and brokerage models. She noted that DHS administers MATP, providing funding in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, and relies on a hybrid model which uses a combination of all three models. Kozak commented that 38 counties operate a vendor model, where the vendor handles all program components. She noted that nine counties operate a hybrid model, where the county and vendor share responsibilities. Kozak acknowledged that DHS manages NEMT services in 12 counties, while seven counties operate the program as a sole service provider. In Philadelphia, Kozak stated, they use a brokerage model.

Kozak explained that Act 40 of 2018 required DHS to issue a solicitation for brokers to provide MATP services. She acknowledged that this process was halted with the passage of Act 19 of 2019 pending an analysis to evaluate the potential impact of implementing a regional MATP broker by engaging various stakeholder workgroups. She remarked that the preliminary report outlines the approach and resources being used to conduct the analysis of five major components of Act 19. Kozak noted that the final report will address the state and federal laws that apply to the MATP program and is due at the end of the year.

Jennie Granger, deputy secretary of multimodal transportation, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), remarked that since the 1970s, Pennsylvania has invested in public transportation facilities and provided funding to offset operating costs. She asserted that Pennsylvania has also invested in vehicles to support shared rides in 67 counties.

9 Granger noted that PennDOT provides nearly 3.7 million rides per year to seniors and disabled persons with the shared rides system. She acknowledged that there are workforce benefits associated with transit, resulting in 100,000 transit- related jobs. She asserted that with the passage of Act 19, PennDOT has been participating in a work group led by DHS to complete a study on the impacts of brokering the MATP program. She concluded her testimony by stating that PennDOT remains committed to providing cost-effective transportation and will continue to work with DHS and other partners to make sure that the public transportation experience is a “positive one.”

Tim Geibel, chairman, Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association (PPTA), explained that the current shared ride public transportation model, which includes MATP, provides cost-effective transportation and allows consumers to make one call to schedule their transportation needs. He referred to a study conducted by the Transportation Research Board identifying national models for MATP, of which Pennsylvania was highlighted for efficiency.

Geibel explained that DHS does not need to move forward and award a full-risk brokerage contract because it could mean the “decimation” of rural transit, remove all input from local officials and communities, negatively impact MATP riders through safety concerns, and may result in riders paying more for less service. He noted that the unforeseen impacts of the brokerage system include increased burdens on state funding sources and reduced federal formula transportation funding. Geibel highlighted other states that were negatively impacted by establishing brokerage services. He remarked that those states include Texas, Rhode Island, New York, South Carolina, Maine, and New Jersey.

In conclusion, Geibel gave recommendations as asserted by PPTA, which included that no full-risk broker award should be made before the General Assembly has the opportunity to review the legislatively mandated analysis and give thoughtful consideration to alternative broker models to ensure the continued coordination of all human service transportation programs.

Sen. Vogel noted that his county has a contract with the ambulance services to provide MATP and asked if that could continue if the brokerage model was implemented. Geibel responded that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will allow a government entity broker to operate in the state, and the broker would be able to receive the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) drawdown.

Sen. Vogel asked if Geibel had the breakdown of costs and if there are additional costs for the government model not included in the broker model. Geibel remarked that he hopes to conduct an analysis, which can weigh the costs. He noted that his organization does not believe that the broker model would permit the current coordination of efforts to continue.

Sen. Vogel stated that he has read a study done by Massachusetts which showed fraud and abuse through $17 million in questionable payments made. He remarked that he wants to make sure that things like this do not happen in Pennsylvania. Edwards noted that Massachusetts has one of the better transportation systems, which runs from 5 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.

Chairman Brooks acknowledged a report done in Texas which showed that the transition to full-risk broker model resulted in a 400 percent cost increase, a decrease in access, and an increase in complaints. Chairman Brooks asked what DHS is going to do differently to ensure that the same thing does not happen in Pennsylvania as it did in Texas. Kozak stated that the request for application (RFA) was written in consideration of what was done in other states and added consumer protections. She acknowledged that DHS requires a localized presence in each region and uses “pretty rigorous” monitoring.

Chairman Brooks asked if DHS has written the RFA “completely differently” than the one in Texas. Kozak stated that DHS looked at the other states when crafting the RFA.

Chairman Brooks asked about the penalties and accountability measures in place to make sure riders are picked up timely. Laurie Rock, director of managed care operations, DHS, stated that there were penalties in place for a failure to meet certain standards, such as financial penalties and corrective action.

Chairman Brooks stated that she is concerned about DHS’s response because issues have occurred in Philadelphia with LogistiCare, which is managed by DHS. Rock stated that DHS has implemented corrective actions against LogistiCare but

10 she would need to get that specific information for Chairman Brooks.

Chairman Brooks asked if the current RFA requires Americans with Disability (ADA) compliance for vehicles. Rock stated that she would need to look into that. Chairman Brooks remarked on the “core fundamental” nature of that question. Chairman Ward stated the answer concerns her as well and noted that “we have a good system right now.” She opined that the brokerage model does not show concern about the citizens.

Chairman Ward stated that DHS talked about who was involved when doing the study, which included stakeholders. She asked how this will impact the clients. Alan Blahovec, executive director, Westmoreland County Transit Authority, remarked that 50 percent of shared rides are for medical appointments. He asserted that if his agency lost those trips, the fares that seniors pay may be increased. He remarked that “ultimately,” seniors and people with disabilities would end up with less service.

Sen. Street asked DHS to explain the enhancements and benefits with the broker model and why the benefits outweigh the concerns. Kozak explained that the broker model was implemented in 2006 and improved transportation services. She stated that if people have access to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the broker gives them passes. She noted that DHS looks at the lessons learned by implementing the broker model with LogistiCare.

Sen. Street asked the impetus for expanding this model statewide. Kozak responded that it was because the legislation mandated DHS to do so.

Sen. Martin noted that the MATP program is “unique” and needs to be implemented across the state to reflect the diversity of the areas covered. He emphasized the need to respect the diversity of Pennsylvania. He said, “I don’t want to see it changed in my community because I have heard nothing but positive feedback.”

Chairman Brooks asked Kozak if DHS would follow the recommendation of the legislature to pause in implementation of the broker model. Kozak responded that as the legislation is currently written, it does not have an option for DHS to not move forward.

Chairman Brooks asserted that the legislation required the RFA and that members in both the House and Senate say that the broker model may not be the correct method. She asked if legislators have DHS’s support in not moving forward in the procurement process. Kozak stated the final report is due and will be delivered by the end of December. She explained that DHS will then need time to review and determine whether to make any changes. She emphasized that DHS is mandated to move forward with the procurement.

Chairman Brooks asked Geibel for his interpretations. Geibel explained that the legislative requirements have been met, and DHS is not required to enter into contracts. He said, “We don’t believe that DHS has to make an award within two or three months as indicated in last month’s testimony at the House Transportation Committee.” Chairman Brooks remarked that is why members of the General Assembly are concerned.

Sen. Killion commented that legislators need to pause and make sure to do the right thing.

Chairman Brooks stated that there is a possibility that the brokerage model could cost additional dollars.

Sen. Schwank noted that the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) has worked well. She asked Geibel what should be done when there is an existing system that works even though improvements might need to be made. Geibel stated that PPTA has been working with DHS to provide meaningful information about how to improve reimbursements rates above $0.12 per mile. He acknowledged that having more interaction with DHS is important. He asserted that because Philadelphia has 52 percent of the MATP market in Pennsylvania, the state is already receiving the “additional federal drawdowns.”

11 Sen. Schwank asked about wait times for MATP and the possibility of private/public partnerships to enhance the services. Geibel referenced investments in public transportation, specifically a scheduling and dispatch software that enables the setting of parameters and improves wait times. He asserted that under the current model, local control can help with wait times.

Sen. Schwank expressed her hopes that when the report is finalized, legislators will look to see what the best model is going forward.

Sen. Street asked whether, after the report is completed, DHS would be able to make recommendations to enhance the level of service. Kozak stated that DHS would follow the recommendations of the report. Sen. Street asked if DHS would be able to provide recommendations if the department determines that brokerage is not the appropriate model. Kozak stated that they could.

Edwards noted that a one-size-fits-all model cannot be used for the service and asked legislators to keep the system the way it is.

Iseman noted that there should be a policy of only three strikes, which allows for control.

Chairman Brooks asked DHS about the public model used in Kentucky, Oregon, and Vermont. Kozak responded that she is not personally familiar with that type of model and can get back to Chairman Brooks.

Chairman Brooks noted that there is a general concern of the direction of the MATP program. She noted that the issuance of an RFA and making an award are two different things.

Additional written testimony was submitted by:

• Melissa Anese, government relations associate, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP).

- 30 -

Senate Transportation Committee 11/21/19, 10:45 a.m., Rules Committee Conference Room, Main Capitol Building By Sheri Melnick, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

SB 773 Killion, Thomas - (PN 1148) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, establishing a definition for continuous alcohol monitoring device; in licensing of drivers, providing, upon approval of a petition, that the ignition interlock device must be installed in any motor vehicle to be operated by the individual, and proof of installation must be provided; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, establishing that whenever an individual has been arrested for a violation, and was convicted of two or more prior offenses under section 3802, the arresting officer shall impound the vehicle that the individual was operating at the time of arrest; and providing for a study of driving under the influence courts. The legislation provides provisions related to the implementation of vehicle impoundment, along with language regarding the grading of offenses, consecutive sentences, and participation with drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Effective in 120 days. - The bill was unanimously reported as amended.

A04011 by Kim Ward, removes the vehicle impoundment requirement and makes other technical changes. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

Sen. Thomas Killion (R-Delaware) noted that the legislation is known as Deana’s Law in honor of a woman who was killed by a drunk driver on February 16, 2019. He remarked that the driver had five previous convictions for driving under the

12 influence (DUI). Sen. Killion noted that this bill would require persons convicted of a third or subsequent DUI offense to be monitored for one year with an electronic device. He stated that the device will notify authorities if the offender has been drinking.

Sen. (R-Beaver) asked if someone could tamper with the device. Sen. Killion responded that if someone tries to take it off, notification would be sent to the appropriate authorities.

Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) commended the maker of the bill and asserted that there was a similar tragedy in his district.

Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) asked why the offender did not have a car equipped with a device to monitor his blood alcohol level. Sen. Killion remarked that the offender was a parole violator with no driver’s license and was driving a car that had been purchased by his father.

- 30 -

House Rules Committee 11/21/19, 1:45 p.m., Room 245 Main Capitol By Matt Hess, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider bills.

HB 1547 Pyle, Jeff - (PN 2819) Act designating the highway interchange of U.S. Route 422 with Pennsylvania Route 66, Manor Township, Armstrong County, as the Senator Donald C. White Interchange; a portion of Pennsylvania Route 144 in Centre County as the Duster-Quaid 50-Searchlight Highway; a bridge in Somerset County as the Harry Beal Bridge; a bridge in Somerset County as the John Vatavuk Memorial Bridge; a bridge in York County as the Staff Sergeant Gary Crone Memorial Bridge; a bridge on US Route 219 over Walters Mill Road as the Mark J. Baserman Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Wayne County as the PFC Raymond P Schwesinger Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Cambria County as the SFC Raymond R. Buchan Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Montgomery County as the Captain Samuel Schultz Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Cambria County as the Private Cyril T. Yeckley Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Specialist Beverly S. Clark Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Private Chancy Franklin Davis Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Private Martin J. Popson Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Private Ralph E. Dias Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Robertson Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Lancaster County as the Sheriff Terry A. Bergman Memorial Bridge; a portion of State Route 3059 in York County as the Corporal Earl H. Markle Memorial Road; a portion of State Route 2012 in Monroe County as the Samuel Newman Way; and making a related repeal. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1963) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

Bullet.in.Points

DEP: OIL AND GAS TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CANCELLATION The Department of Environmental Protection’s Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting scheduled for December 18, 2019, is cancelled. The next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg.

Questions concerning the January meeting should be directed to Todd M. Wallace, Office of Oil and Gas Management, at [email protected] or (717) 783-9438. The agenda and meeting materials will be available through the public participation tab on the Department of Environmental Protection’s website. Additional information can be found on the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

13 Cosponsor Memos

HCO2799 Snyder, Pam(D) Names two interchanges in Fayette County and one bridge in Greene County after fallen Pennsylvanians. HCO2818 Davis, Tina(D) Reduces or eliminates the cost of using the Pennsylvania Turnpike for active and former military personnel. HCO2834 Wheeland, Jeff(R) Names the Faxon Interchange of Interstate 180 in Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County, as the United States Army Sergeant Thomas H. Woodruff, Sr. and United States Marine Corps. Sergeant Hamilton T. Woodruff Memorial Interchange. Bill Actions

HB 57 Fritz, Jonathan(R) (PN 1678) Act abolishing the following state authorities, boards, commissions, committees, councils and representatives: (1) the Advisory Committee on Probation within the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, (2) the Industrial Resource Center Strategic Advisory Board within the Department of Community and Economic Development, (3) the Joint Committee to Review the Cost-of-Living Supplements under 24 Pa.C.S. 8348 (relating to supplemental annuities) and 71 Pa.C.S. 5708 (relating to supplemental annuities), (4) the Pennsylvania Public Television Network Commission, (5) the Public Television Broadcasting Advisory Council, (6) the Pennsylvania Quality Leadership Awards Council, (7) the Small Business Advocacy Council within the Department of Community and Economic Development, and (8) the Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee within the Department of Health. The act makes related repeals. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 913, 1452) Bill History: 11-19-19 Laid out for discussion 4:44pm 11-19-19 Third consideration 4:44pm 11-19-19 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 46/N: 3) 11-20-19 H Signed in the House 11-20-19 S Signed in the Senate HB 303 Nelson, Eric(R) (PN 2453) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in firearms and other dangerous weapons, establishing that if a firearm is unloaded and not readily accessible, an individual may transport a firearm in a motor vehicle for a lawful purpose. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 09-24-19 H Meeting set for 9:00 a.m., Room 60, East Wing, House Judiciary -- House Judiciary 09-24-19 H Reported as committed from House Judiciary 09-24-19 H First consideration 09-24-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

14 HB 523 Day, Gary(R) (PN 2576) Amends the General Road Law further providing for repair of private roads by stipulating that in the absence of a written agreement or if the private road is a part of a planned community under 68 Pa.C.S. (relating to real and personal property), when more than one person enjoys a common benefit from a private road, each person shall contribute in proportion to the amount of private road owned to the cost of maintaining the private road and shall have the right to bring a civil action to enforce this requirement. Exempts property owners that do not use the private road as the primary access to their property from paying for repairs. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 517) Bill History: 09-24-19 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House Local Government 09-24-19 H Reported as amended House Local Government 09-24-19 H First consideration 09-24-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 671 Heffley, Doyle(R) (PN 684) Amends Title 3 (Agriculture), in food protection, further providing for definitions, for license required and for powers of department. The bill provides for licensure of mobile retail food facilities, which includes a moveable retail food facility, such as a stand, vehicle, cart, basket, box or similar structure, from which food is stored, prepared, processed, distributed or sold. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 05-07-19 H Laid on the table 06-19-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 06-19-19 H Removed from the table 06-19-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 694 Gillespie, Keith(R) (PN 720) Act designating the Harley-Davidson motorcycle as the official State motorcycle of Pennsylvania. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 10-29-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House State Government 10-30-19 H Reported as committed from House State Government 10-30-19 H First consideration 10-30-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

15 HB 915 Causer, Martin(R) (PN 1487) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in size, weight and load, further providing for permit for movement during course of manufacture; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for power of governor during emergency. The bill establishes that combination of vehicles which is hauling milk to or from a milk plant or to or from a dairy farm, or is traveling to a dairy farm to pick up milk, may be permitted by the department and local authorities to move upon highways within their respective jurisdictions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in the event of a declared national, state or local emergency unless it is specifically stated in a proclamation or executive order. Requires that decals issued by the Milk Marketing Board to be placed on any milk truck that is exempted. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1036) Bill History: 06-27-19 G In the hands of the Governor 07-07-19 G Last day for Governor's action 07-02-19 G Vetoed by the Governor (Veto: 2) 09-18-19 G Bill, together with Governor's Veto Message, laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 916 Stephens, Todd(R) (PN 2582) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in licensing of drivers, providing for continuous alcohol monitoring device. The bill establishes that a person arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance within 10 years of a prior conviction or while pending adjudication for one or more prior charges shall be fitted with a continuous alcohol monitoring device. Requires courts to evaluate repeat offenders of the suitability of a substance monitoring program. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1037) Bill History: 09-25-19 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House Transportation 09-25-19 H Reported as amended House Transportation 09-25-19 H First consideration 09-25-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

16 HB 1035 Sappey, Christina (F) (PN 1207) Amends the Act entitled "An act authorizing political (D) subdivisions, municipality authorities and transportation authorities to enter into contracts for the purchase of goods and the sale of real and personal property where no bids are received," further providing for title of the act; adding a short title; and providing for contracts for services. The bill creates a short title as the Public Contract Bid Nonreceipt Act and establishes when a political subdivision, municipality authority or transportation authority is required to advertise for bids in order to enter into a contract for services and no bids are received, the political subdivision, municipality authority or transportation authority may proceed by (1) advertising for bids a second time, (2) initiating negotiations for a contract to obtain the services previously advertised, with any provider not otherwise disqualified by law or an enactment or policy of the governing body, and (3) at a regular or special meeting of its governing body, must publicly announce the identity of the parties, the proposed contract price and a summary of the other terms and conditions relating to any proposed contract. Also establishes penalties for evasion. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 10-22-19 S Meeting set for 10:00 a.m., Room 8E-A, East Wing, Senate Local Government -- Senate Local Government 10-22-19 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Local Government 10-22-19 S Reported as committed from Senate Local Government 10-22-19 S First consideration 11-21-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar HB 1168 Caltagirone, (PN 1346) Amends the Tax Reform Code, in sales and use tax, Thomas(D) adding that the definition of "building machinery and equipment" includes traffic signal foundations, poles and mast arms. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 09-17-19 H Reported as committed from House Rules 09-17-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 11-21-19 H Removed from the table 11-21-19 H Laid on the table

17 HB 1208 Carroll, Mike(D) (PN 1420) Amends the Tax Reform Code adding a new article establishing the airport land development zone program to encourage and promote the creation of new jobs on land and buildings owned by airports in the commonwealth. Provides for an airport land development zone tax credit in the amount an airport land development zone employer may earn in any tax year equal to $2,100 for each full-time equivalent employee in excess of the number of full-time equivalent employees employed by the employer prior to January 1, 2020. Further provides for definitions, and application and plan. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 09-17-19 H Reported as committed from House Rules 09-17-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 11-21-19 H Removed from the table 11-21-19 H Laid on the table HB 1410 Stephens, Todd(R) (PN 1728) Amends the Transit Revitalization Investment District Act establishing a military installation remediation program and provides for its role and duties. In addition to any other program of the authority, from funds available to the authority, the authority shall provide grants under the Perfluorinated Compound Remediation Program for the costs of remediation relating to the presence of perfluorinated compounds in drinking water which are not related to the presence of a qualified former military installation. Effective immediately. Bill History: 11-18-19 Laid out for discussion 5:35pm 11-18-19 Third consideration 5:36pm 11-18-19 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 42/N: 7) 11-19-19 H Signed in the House 11-19-19 S Signed in the Senate HB 1536 Miller, Brett(R) (PN 1954) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) defining "vulnerable highway user" as a pedestrian or a person on roller skates, inline skates, a skateboard, motor-driven cycle, motorcycle, pedalcycle, motorized pedalcycle, pedalcycle with electric assist, an animal, an animal-drawn vehicle, a farm vehicle or a wheelchair. Also increases the penalties for a person convicted of careless driving that results in the death, seriously bodily injury or bodily injury of a vulnerable highway user. Effective in 120 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as amended House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

18 HB 1547 Pyle, Jeff(R) (PN 2819) Act designating the highway interchange of U.S. Route 422 with Pennsylvania Route 66, Manor Township, Armstrong County, as the Senator Donald C. White Interchange; a portion of Pennsylvania Route 144 in Centre County as the Duster-Quaid 50-Searchlight Highway; a bridge in Somerset County as the Harry Beal Bridge; a bridge in Somerset County as the John Vatavuk Memorial Bridge; a bridge in York County as the Staff Sergeant Gary Crone Memorial Bridge; a bridge on US Route 219 over Walters Mill Road as the Mark J. Baserman Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Wayne County as the PFC Raymond P Schwesinger Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Cambria County as the SFC Raymond R. Buchan Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Montgomery County as the Captain Samuel Schultz Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Cambria County as the Private Cyril T. Yeckley Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Specialist Beverly S. Clark Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Private Chancy Franklin Davis Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Private Martin J. Popson Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Private Ralph E. Dias Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Indiana County as the Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Robertson Memorial Bridge; a bridge in Lancaster County as the Sheriff Terry A. Bergman Memorial Bridge; a portion of State Route 3059 in York County as the Corporal Earl H. Markle Memorial Road; a portion of State Route 2012 in Monroe County as the Samuel Newman Way; and making a related repeal. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 1963) Bill History: 11-21-19 H Re-reported on concurrence as committed House Rules 11-21-19 Laid out for discussion 2:17pm 11-21-19 H House concurred in Senate amendments (Vote Y: 185/N: 0) 11-21-19 H Signed in the House 11-21-19 S Signed in the Senate HB 1597 Gillen, Mark(R) (PN 2056) Act designating the highway interchange of U.S. Route 222 with Mohns Hill Road, Cumru Township, Berks County, as the PVT Mahlon L. Fink Iwo Jima Memorial Highway Interchange. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-21-19 Laid out for discussion 2:07pm 11-21-19 H 1 Floor amendment(s) adopted 11-21-19 Second consideration 2:08pm 11-21-19 H Over in House 11-21-19 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

19 HB 1665 Staats, Craig(R) (PN 2223) A freestanding act designating a bridge, identified by bridge key 7381 located on North Main Street over the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, Sellersville, in Sellersville Borough, Bucks County, as the Sellersville Veterans Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 11-18-19 Laid out for discussion 5:51pm 11-18-19 Third consideration 5:51pm 11-18-19 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:199/N: 0) 11-21-19 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Transportation HB 1710 Hennessey, Tim(R) (PN 2583) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, instructing the Department of Transportation to create a unique license plate design similar to the bicentennial plate from the 1970s. This plate will include the phrase "Let Freedom Ring - 250 years. and an image of the Liberty Bell, and will cost $50 in addition to regular registration fees. Effective in 120 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2303) Bill History: 09-25-19 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House Transportation 09-25-19 H Reported as amended House Transportation 09-25-19 H First consideration 09-25-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1711 Hennessey, Tim(R) (PN 2584) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, instructing the Department of Transportation to design two distinct heritage plates representing the 1950s and 1960s. The plates must be embossed or stamped in a similar fashion to those in the 1950s and 1960s. The plates will cost $50 in addition to regular registration fees. Effective in 120 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2304) Bill History: 09-25-19 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House Transportation 09-25-19 H Reported as amended House Transportation 09-25-19 H First consideration 09-25-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

20 HB 1712 Hennessey, Tim(R) (PN 2585) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, authorizing the Department of Transportation to issue distinctive corporate logo registration plates for fleets with more than 100 vehicles based and registered in Pennsylvania. The cost for the plates is a one-time fee of $6,000 for fleets with over 100 vehicles and less than 199 vehicles, or $5,000 for fleets with 200 vehicles or more. Corporate registration plates will be renewable for a fee of $20 for each individual motor vehicle logo plate and $11 for each trailer with a corporate logo. Effective July 1, 2021. (Prior Printer Number: 2305) Bill History: 09-25-19 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House Transportation 09-25-19 H Reported as amended House Transportation 09-25-19 H First consideration 09-25-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1719 Sanchez, Ben (F)(D) (PN 2311) An act designating a bridge in Abington Township, Montgomery County as the Captain Samuel Schultz Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Meeting set for Off the floor, Room 140, Main Capitol, House Appropriations -- House Appropriations 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Appropriations 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 12-16-19 H Set on the House Calendar 12-16-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1770 Dush, Cris(R) (PN 2361) Act designating a bridge on Pennsylvania Route 286 over Crooked Creek, Rayne Township, Indiana County, as the SFC Randy McCaulley Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 10-29-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 10-29-19 H Removed from the table 11-21-19 H Set on the House Calendar 11-21-19 Second consideration 2:07pm 11-21-19 H Rereferred to House Appropriations HB 1782 Burns, Frank(D) (PN 2739) Act designating a bridge on State Route 1002, also known as Friend Lea Road, over Route 219 in Cambria Township, Cambria County, as PFC Cyril T. Yeckley Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 2372) Bill History: 10-29-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 10-29-19 H Removed from the table 11-21-19 H Set on the House Calendar 11-21-19 Second consideration 2:08pm 11-21-19 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

21 HB 1849 Lewis, Andrew (F)(R) (PN 2556) Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 39 in Dauphin County, from Dover Road to Forest Hills Drive, as the Officer Mark Gaspich Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1868 Gabler, Matt(R) (PN 2588) Act designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 11414, on U.S. Route 219 in Brady Township, Cleary County, as the Lance Corporal Robert Clyde Gontero Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1870 Topper, Jesse(R) (PN 2589) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 1036 over Six Mile Run, Broad Top Township, Bedford County, as Sergeant David Leon Barber Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1907 Rothman, Greg(R) (PN 2674) An Act designating the bridge carrying State Route 1025 over U.S. Route 11/15 in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County, as the Senator Hal Mowery Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 11-18-19 Laid out for discussion 5:52pm 11-18-19 Third consideration 5:52pm 11-18-19 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:199/N: 0) 11-21-19 S Received in the Senate and referred to Senate Transportation

22 HB 1913 Dush, Cris(R) (PN 2676) An Act designating a bridge, identified by Bridge Key 19699, on that portion of State Route 2003 over Mahoning Creek in Big Run Borough, Jefferson County, as the SP4 James Wise, Jr., and PFC James Wingert USMC Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1915 Cook, Bud(R) (PN 2678) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 8042 over U.S. Route 40, West Brownsville Borough, Washington County, as the SFC Thomas McDonough Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1946 Hershey, Johnathan (PN 2710) An Act designating a bridge, identified by Bridge Key (F)(R) 46789, on that portion of State Route 3012 over Back Creek on the border of Hamilton Township and St. Thomas Township, Franklin County, as the Sergeant Melvin G. Ehrhart Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1973 Gregory, James (F)(R) (PN 2736) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 4027 over Bald Eagle Creek, Sharon Township, Blair County, as the Cpl. Donald L. Westley Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

23 HB 2000 Murt, Thomas(R) (PN 2805) Act designating the portion of County Line Road between Warminster Road and Newtown Road in Montgomery County as the Captain William J. Ahlum Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 2001 Murt, Thomas(R) (PN 2806) Act designating the portion of County Line Road between Warminster Road and Jacksonville Road in Montgomery County, as the Specialist 4 Harold E. Cashman Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Transportation 11-18-19 H Reported as committed from House Transportation 11-18-19 H First consideration 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 2075 Hennessey, Tim(R) Amends the Human Services Code, in medical assistance, further providing for nonemergency medical transportation services. Bill History: 11-19-19 H Filed 11-20-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Health HB 2076 Fitzgerald, Isabella(D) Amends Title 18 (Crimes & Offenses), in firearms, providing for licenses; and, in licensing of drivers, for issuance & content of driver's license, & for revocation of license following acquisition, expiration or revocation. Bill History: 11-19-19 H Filed 11-20-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Judiciary HB 2086 Gabler, Matt(R) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, further providing for definitions. Bill History: 11-20-19 H Filed HB 2087 Everett, Garth(R) Amends Title 26 (Eminent Domain), in just compensation and measure of damages, further providing for limited reimbursement of appraisal, attorney and engineering fees. Bill History: 11-20-19 H Filed HB 2088 Snyder, Pam(D) Act designating the bridge, on that portion of State Route 2003, over the S. Fork Tenmile Creek in Waynesburg, Greene County, as the Sheriff Brian A. Tennant Memorial Bridge, designating the PFC Joseph Frank Duda Memorial Interchange. Bill History: 11-20-19 H Filed

24 SB 132 Sabatina, John(D) (PN 109) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) in licensing of drivers, further providing for issuance and content of driver's license. The bill establishes that there is no fee for the veteran designation on a driver's license or identification card and the qualified applicant shall be exempt from paying any renewal or duplicate driver's license or identification card fees. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 10-29-19 S Meeting set for 11:30 a.m., Room 461, Main Capitol, Senate Transportation -- Senate Transportation 10-29-19 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Transportation 10-29-19 S Reported as committed from Senate Transportation 10-29-19 S First consideration 11-21-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar SB 166 Hughes, Vincent(D) (PN 280) The Capital Budget Act of 2019-2020 provides for the capital budget for the fiscal year 2019-2020. Appropriates the following amounts: building and structures ($1,100,000,000); furniture and equipment ($20,000,000); transportation assistance projects ($350,000,000); redevelopment assistance projects (550,000,000); flood control projects ($0) Effective July 1, 2019, or immediately, whichever is later. Bill History: 11-19-19 H Laid on the table 11-20-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 11-20-19 H Removed from the table 12-16-19 H Set on the House Calendar 12-16-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar SB 596 Mensch, Bob(R) (PN 1343) Amends Title 66 (Public Utilities), in restructuring of electric utility industry, providing for transportation fueling infrastructure development. Requires the Public Utility Commission to establish a goal for statewide expansion of transportation electrification that is 50 percent above current market forecasts for December 31, 2030, in the assessment. Further, the commission shall issue transportation electrification infrastructure development plan guidelines for electric distribution companies. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 665) Bill History: 11-18-19 S Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations 11-19-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar 11-19-19 Laid out for discussion 4:59pm 11-19-19 Third consideration 4:59pm 11-19-19 S Final Passage (Vote: Y: 43/N: 6)

25 SB 607 Scavello, Mario(R) (PN 675) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in rules of the road in general, further providing that any police officer may use an electronic speed meter, radar or light detection and ranging devices upon approval by local ordinance and completion of training requirements. The legislation provides for a revenue cap on the amount of money a municipality may keep from speeding tickets and calibration standards for radar guns. Bill History: 11-18-19 H Laid on the table 11-21-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 11-21-19 H Removed from the table 12-16-19 H Set on the House Calendar 12-16-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar SB 773 Killion, Thomas(R) (PN 1148) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, establishing a definition for continuous alcohol monitoring device; in licensing of drivers, providing, upon approval of a petition, that the ignition interlock device must be installed in any motor vehicle to be operated by the individual, and proof of installation must be provided; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, establishing that whenever an individual has been arrested for a violation, and was convicted of two or more prior offenses under section 3802, the arresting officer shall impound the vehicle that the individual was operating at the time of arrest; and providing for a study of driving under the influence courts. The legislation provides provisions related to the implementation of vehicle impoundment, along with language regarding the grading of offenses, consecutive sentences, and participation with drug and alcohol addiction treatment. Effective in 120 days. Bill History: 08-28-19 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation 11-21-19 S Meeting set for 10:45 a.m., Rules Committee Conference Room, Senate Transportation -- Senate Transportation 11-21-19 S Voted favorably from committee as amended Senate Transportation 11-21-19 S Reported as amended Senate Transportation 11-21-19 S First consideration SB 954 Ward, Kim(R) (PN 1371) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, establishing vehicle registration stickers for display on Pennsylvania license plates. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 11-19-19 S Meeting set for 11:30 a.m., Room 8E-B, East Wing, Senate Transportation -- Senate Transportation 11-19-19 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Transportation 11-19-19 S Reported as committed from Senate Transportation 11-19-19 S First consideration 11-21-19 S Set on the Senate Calendar

26 Upcoming Events

PA Public Utility Commission November 26, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Desert Room, 400 North St., Harrisburg Consumer Advisory Council Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

PA Turnpike Commission December 3, 2019 - 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

Department of Transportation December 4, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Keystone Building, Forest Room, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Public-Private Partnerships Board Meeting. For additional information: (717) 787-3154

PA State Transportation Advisory Committee December 5, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Room 8N1, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Committee Meeting. For additional information: (717) 787-2913

PA Public Utility Commission December 5, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Public Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

House Transportation December 10, 2019 - 9:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building Public hearing on: HB 1078 Marshall, Jim Amends Title 75 re autonomous shuttle vehicle

State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons December 10, 2019 - 9:30 a.m., 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg Board Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1697

Delaware River Port Authority/PATCO December 11, 2019 - 9:00 a.m., One Port Center, 11th Floor, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ Board Meeting. For additional information: (856) 968-2253

PA Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee December 11, 2019 - 12:30 p.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Room 8N1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Committee Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-3991

PA State Transportation Commission December 12, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Keystone Building, Conference Room 8N1, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Commission Meeting. For additional information: (717) 787-2913

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) Board December 12, 2019 - 12:00 p.m., SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Mezzanine Level, Philadelphia Administration and Operations Committee meetings. For additional information: (215) 580-7800

27 In the News

11-21-2019 Deana's Law, Imposing Stronger Penalties on Repeat DUI Offenders, Clears... (Press Release)

11-21-2019 Transportation Committee Chairman Hennessey Supports Task Force to Address... (Press Release)

11-21-2019 White Says Transportation Task Force Recommends Funding Changes to Maintain... (Press Release)

11-21-2019 Fritz Introduces Legislation Aimed at Improving How Construction Projects... (Press Release)

11-21-2019 PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday (Press Release)

11-21-2019 Southeastern PA Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board Agenda for Nov. 21, 2019 (Press Release)

11-21-2019 House GOP unveils transportation funding plan, proposes winding down MLF transfers House Republicans unveiled their survey of the state’s infrastructure needs Wednesday, calling for a cycling down of transfers from the Motor License Fund to bankroll State Police, as well as a consolidated permit process for major building projects and other items to help boost road and... - Pennsylvania Legislative Services

11-21-2019 Southwestern Pa. projects get DEP funding for clean energy vehicles The state Department of Environmental Protection awarded $510,000 in grants for three clean energy vehicle projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the agency announced Wednesday. The money comes from the state’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants program and will be used to help replace older shuttles, school buses,... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

11-21-2019 Transportation projects for Western Pa. prioritized Planners have identified 123 road, bridge and transportation improvements needed in southwestern Pennsylvania, and said a list of priority projects — including a handful in Westmoreland County — will be adopted by next summer. The Southwest Pennsylvania Commission, or SPC, and PennDOT on Wednesday... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

11-21-2019 Pa. looking to address transportation funding for PennDOT, Turnpike in next year's budget In the first indication that the state Legislature might be willing to deal with the issues as soon as next year, a state House Republican task force Wednesday recommended sweeping changes in how Pennsylvania funds its roads, bridges, state police and public transit.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-21-2019 Donjon Shipbuilding prepares for winter repair season Several vessels are scheduled for repair and maintenance work this winter at Erie’s Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair. Within the next month, Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair should see its employment double as its workforce settles in for winter repair and maintenance season.... - Erie Times-News

28 11-21-2019 Jim Thorpe drops amusement-tax lawsuit against Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, according to report Jim Thorpe has dropped its lawsuit seeking almost $100,000 in unpaid amusement taxes from Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, according to the Lehighton Times-News. Having run passenger excursion rides out of Jim Thorpe for the past 15 years, Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway announced in October that it’s... - Allentown Morning Call

11-21-2019 ‘Thank you for ruining the township!’: South Whitehall Commissioners grant conditional use approval for Ridge Farm, much to ire of residents Amid jeers from angry residents, the South Whitehall Board of Commissioners voted late Monday night to grant conditional use approval to the 780-unit, massively unpopular Ridge Farm development which critics say will forever alter the character of the township.... - Allentown Morning Call

11-21-2019 CATA ridership on the rise in Bellefonte BELLEFONTE — The buses are rolling through Bellefonte — and they won’t be stopping anytime soon. At a recent borough council meeting, Louwana Oliva, the general manager of the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) gave a presentation about ridership in Bellefonte and Pleasant Gap. According to Oliva, through June... - Lock Haven Express

11-21-2019 Jim Thorpe drops train lawsuit; talks ongoing Berkheimer, the tax collection agency representing Jim Thorpe borough, is dropping a lawsuit it filed earlier this year seeking nearly $100,000 in unpaid amusement taxes for the past three years from Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Jim Thorpe Borough Council President Greg Strubinger said the action would... - Lehighton Times News

11-21-2019 Pennsbury, Hatboro-Horsham get clean energy grants for buses Pennsbury will get $68,000 and Hatboro-Horsham $25,000 to help convert their bus fleets to propane. The Pennsbury and Hatboro-Horsham school districts were among those benefiting from $681,000 in clean energy vehicle grants recently awarded in Southeastern Pennsylvania by the state Department of Environmental... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

11-21-2019 Sandy Twp. to take over three roads through PennDOT "Turnback" program DuBOIS — The Sandy Township Supervisors at their Monday meeting approved resolutions to take over three roads — Maple Avenue, Dixon Avenue and Tozier Avenue — through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s “Turnback” Program. “One of the key advantages to accepting these roadways is that we can... - DuBois Courier- Express

11-21-2019 Uber Embraces Videotaping Rides, Raising Privacy Concerns For several months, some Uber passengers in Texas have been recorded on video as they have been driven to their destinations. The video has been stored online and could have been reviewed by members of Uber.s safety staff if the driver had reported a problem with the passenger.... - New York Times

11-21-2019 G.M. Sues Rival Over Bribery Scheme as Union Scandal Expands General Motors sued its rival Fiat Chrysler on Wednesday, asserting that it bribed United Auto Workers officials in contract negotiations to get a leg up on G.M. over the course of a decade. Hours after G.M. filed the lawsuit, in federal court, the union.s president... - New York Times

29 11-21-2019 SEPTA appoints PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards as general manager Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Leslie S. Richards will take over as SEPTA.s general manager in January, becoming the second woman to hold the position at the nation.s sixth-largest transit agency. SEPTA voted unanimously to appoint Richards during Thursday.s board... - Philadelphia Inquirer

11-21-2019 With lawsuit dropped, Jim Thorpe's popular scenic railway may ride again in the new year Last month, the Little Engine That Could became the Little Engine That Won.t. Now, it.s the Little Engine That Might. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, the beloved excursion train out of Jim Thorpe, was supposed to stop running Nov. 25, a casualty of a dispute... - Allentown Morning Call

11-20-2019 DEP: Wolf Admin. Awards Grants for Clean Energy Vehicle Projects in Northwest PA (Press Release)

11-20-2019 DEP: Wolf Admin. Awards Grants for Clean Energy Vehicle Projects in Southwest PA (Press Release)

11-20-2019 DEP: Wolf Admin. Awards Grants for Clean Energy Vehicle Projects in Southeast... (Press Release)

11-20-2019 Senate Policy Committee to review PennDOT's commitments regarding local... (Press Release)

11-20-2019 Penske Truck Leasing Continues Upgrades to Fleet Insight Customer Website (Press Release)

11-20-2019 Senate Passes PA Clean Transportation Infrastructure Act (Press Release)

11-20-2019 White to Unveil Transportation Infrastructure Task Force Report (Press Release)

11-20-2019 Our view: Plans will ease access to bayfront One of the best spots to snap a photo of Erie’s legendary waterfront sunsets is on the deck of the Rum Runners, a low-key tiki bar at the far eastern end of East Dobbins Landing. The Bicentennial Tower, the gleaming Victorian Princess that traverses the Presque Isle Bay waters there, as... - Erie Times-News

11-20-2019 NTSB says Boeing should redesign engine part after woman’s death over Berks County Federal safety officials say Boeing should redesign part of the casing on some engines to prevent the kind of accident that occurred when engine debris blew out a window on a Southwest Airlines plane and killed a passenger... - AP

30 11-20-2019 Residents speak out against proposed 1 million square-foot warehouses in rural area EAST HANOVER TOWNSHIP -- In eastern Dauphin County, Interstate 81 rumbles through a landscape of farmlands and hills, dotted with a casino, hotels and gas stations. A black strip of perpetual motion. Tractor-trailers hauling the goodies that make the economy run, and commuters heading to work to pay for those... - Penn Live, Patriot- News

11-20-2019 Three lanes at Eisenhower I-83 Interchange will lower number of crashes, reduce congestion: official Expanding I-83 at the Eisenhower Interchange to three lanes is going to make a big difference for commuters and visitors, one Pennsylvania Department of Transportation official said at a public hearing Tuesday. The East Shore Section 2 project is among four locations of I-83 that were... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

11-20-2019 Human Harvest: Skin, bone & tissue donation takes giving to extremes There’s another type of organ donation that goes well beyond life-giving hearts, lungs, kidneys and livers. It involves the recovery of large swaths of human skin; long bones of the legs, arms and scapula; heart valves, tendons and ligaments; and corneas. Unlike the delicate major organs, which can only be taken from a brain-dead... - Penn Live, Patriot- News

11-20-2019 Blair hires new county administrator HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners were unified Tuesday in supporting the promotion of a three-year employee to the county’s highest administrative position. Nicole M. Hemminger of Hollidaysburg, as of Jan. 4, will succeed the retiring Helen Schmitt as county administrator/chief clerk, a position that... - Altoona Mirror

11-20-2019 Cleanup continues Cleanup continues at a part of the gasoline spill that was found on the Laurel Pipeline about 500 feet west of Mountain Road in Penn Township early Monday morning. According to officials from Huntingdon County Emergency Management Agency, crews from Marklesburg Volunteer Fire Co. and EMA were dispatched to the... - Huntingdon Daily News

11-20-2019 4th sinkhole forms along Mariner East route at Sleighton Park MIDDLETOWN — A fourth “sinkhole” developed Monday, this time in a roadway at the site of the Sunoco Mariner East 2 pipeline right of way, near Sleighton Park. The Forge Road gash measures 15 to 20 feet in depth and 30 feet in width and is at is at the site of Sunoco/Energy Transfer’s horizontal... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

11-20-2019 Natural gas is providing the region an opportunity to energize itself Did you know that roundabouts reduce the vehicular carbon footprint and improve sustainability by reducing idle speed emissions at conventional traffic lights? Yes, the transportation industry cares about our environment. Roundabouts are less wasteful and more energy efficient than conventional signalized... - Washington Observer-Reporter

11-20-2019 Transportation committee adopts regional transportation plan The Williamsport Area Transportation Study (WATS) Coordinating Committee adopted a transportation plan for the region during its meeting Monday. The Coordinated Transit Plan includes strategies for meeting local needs and prioritizes transportation services for funding and implementation.... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

31 11-20-2019 Transportation among top concerns at independent living forum SCRANTON — People with disabilities and their advocates seem to agree on one thing: The County of Lackawanna Transit System and other transportation agencies provide great service — except when they don’t. Transportation concerns came up early and often at a public hearing Tuesday... - Scranton Times

11-20-2019 Downtown Scranton parking fees and tickets to rise in 2020 SCRANTON — Parking at downtown city garages and on streets — and parking tickets — will cost more in 2020. Most increases were authorized under a rate schedule approved as part of the city’s 2016 monetization of the parking system that unloaded operations to an outside firm, the nonprofit National Development Council.... - Scranton Times

11-20-2019 $300K grant slated for new bridge over creek A recently awarded state grant will pave the way for a bridge replacement project in Eldred Township. The $300,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will support the replacement of Tannenbaum Board Bridge over the Little Mahantango Creek.... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

11-20-2019 Traffic issues could derail new development projects in North, South Union townships New business development is key to economic development and growth in the region, but potential development projects in South Union Township could be at risk if traffic congestion problems along the Route 40 corridor aren’t solved or mitigated, one township official said.... - Uniontown Herald-Standard

11-20-2019 New PennDOT facility running ahead of winter weather in Bucks PennDOT employees moved to the new facility in Bucks County on Oct. 23. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s new head maintenance facility in Plumstead is up and running ahead of the winter season in Bucks County. “Overall, in general, it’s a great facility, and most of our people... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

11-20-2019 PennDOT weathers through the weather Winter may be upon us – or nearly upon us – but work will continue on major construction projects on two of the county’s busiest roadways. Crews on Rt. 62/Market St. are “still actively working on it at this time,” PennDOT Press Officer Jill Harry said, noting there is “work... - Warren Times Observer

11-20-2019 Jefferson County Emergency Services gives winter-weather driving tips BROOKVILLE — Pennsylvania drivers are mourning the short-lived fall season and preparing for winter road conditions that are around the corner. Jefferson County Department of Emergency Services Director Tracy Zents said winter driving can be “tricky,” especially during or right after... - DuBois Courier-Express

11-20-2019 Conewago supervisors neutral on bypass More than 60 Conewago Township residents stormed last month’s meeting demanding supervisors join them in opposing the Eisenhower Extension bypass. - Gettysburg Times

11-20-2019 Eight-year driver's license could trim BMV lines, Ohio lawmaker says An Ohio lawmaker wants to make the lines at the BMV shorter by giving drivers the option to renew their licenses every eight years instead of every four. “The main thing we are trying to do is save Ohioans time,” Rep. Derek Merrin, R-Monclova, said. Get the news delivered to your inbox: Sign up for our politics newsletter... - Columbus Dispatch

32 11-20-2019 Pa. auditor general: PPS' board must rein in district's travel costs Pittsburgh Public Schools' board should rein in the district's "runaway" travel costs, which have nearly doubled over the past three years, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Wednesday following a five-month review. He plans to refer the results of his review to the State Ethics Commission.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-20-2019 Commuters vs. the community: Should a PATCO station reopen at Franklin Square? | Pro/Con Last week, PATCO.s Franklin Square Station was awarded a $12.6M federal grant to go toward reopening the long-closed transportation hub. The estimated cost of the station.s reopening is about $25.2 million, according to the Department of Transportation. The station, near Sixth and Race Streets, opened in 1936, but shut for good... - Philadelphia Inquirer

11-20-2019 House GOP unveils transportation funding plan, proposes winding down MLF transfers House Republicans unveiled their survey of the state.s infrastructure needs Wednesday, calling for a cycling down of transfers from the Motor License Fund to bankroll State Police, as well as a consolidated permit process for major building projects and other items to help boost road and... - Pennsylvania Legislative Services

11-20-2019 Southwestern Pa. projects get DEP funding for clean energy vehicles The state Department of Environmental Protection awarded $510,000 in grants for three clean energy vehicle projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the agency announced Wednesday. The money comes from the state.s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants program and will be used to help replace older shuttles, school buses,... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

11-19-2019 Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) & PATCO November 20, 2019 Meeting Agenda (Press Release)

11-19-2019 Senators Unveil RGGI, Carbon Tax Legislation (Press Release)

11-19-2019 White to Unveil Transportation Infrastructure Task Force Report (Press Release)

11-19-2019 Judge drops DUI charge against state Rep. Brandon Markosek A magisterial district judge on Monday dropped a drunken driving charge against state Rep. Brandon Markosek. Markosek, 26, of Monroeville had been charged with speeding and drunken driving after a September arrest in Cumberland County. Both charges were dropped by Magisterial District Judge Michael Sanderson of Cumberland... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

11-19-2019 Study estimates 500 million pieces of litter on Pennsylvania roads. Here are the worst offenders. From the cigarette butt casually tossed from a car window, to the empty soda can that never seems to move, to yesterday’s fast-food container, there’s never a shortage of garbage to be found along Pennsylvania’s highways. But for the first time in two decades, researchers have put a number on the... - Allentown Morning Call

33 11-19-2019 Death by train Her first fatality still haunts. It’s late afternoon, and Raelynn Dickerson, a SEPTA engineer on the Main Line, is approaching a city station where people often risk dashing across the tracks. She has to be alert. Someone is walking directly in the path of the train.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

11-19-2019 Committee to review highway funding The Senate Majority Policy Committee will review regional highway funding during an upcoming public hearing at the Maidencreek Township Municipal Building in Blandon. In a statement released Monday by Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, the senator said the state Department of Transportation is... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

11-19-2019 Few options on Berks roadways for a biking commute Wearing a fluorescent green jacket, Michael D. Golembiewski rides his bike while dodging potholes, trucks, cars, and even other cyclists on the streets of Reading. Golembiewski's two-and-a-half mile daily round-trip commute to and from his home in northeast Reading to the Berks County Services Center is becoming... - Reading Eagle

11-19-2019 Farrell gets good news on completed neighborhood projects, grants FARRELL – A set of road projects, including pocket parks, and funds for home improvement grants are bringing good news for city residents. Work on the 200 to 300 blocks of Hamilton Avenue, which was financed in part with a $500,000 PennDOT Multimodal grant, is complete, council members... - Sharon Herald

11-19-2019 City wants $500,000 from Erie Parking Authority for 2020 budget Mayor Joe Schember included the revenue in his 2020 city budget proposal. Erie Mayor Joe Schember is counting on $500,000 from the Erie Parking Authority to help balance the city’s 2020 budget. Schember’s administration has plugged that revenue into its $91.4... - Erie Times-News

11-19-2019 New wall, fishing pier coming to Erie's bayfront East Dobbins Landing will get a makeover and anglers will get a new place to fish at the foot of Holland Street. The two areas along Erie’s bayfront have long been popular. They are scheduled to become more accessible within a year. On East Dobbins Landing, the stretch between Smuggler’s Wharf to the... - Erie Times-News

11-19-2019 Elementary school students gifted bicycles When the curtain was pulled back to reveal rows of shiny new bicycles, the crowd of children erupted. Third-grade students from Ebner Elementary, Juniata Elementary and The STEAM Learning Center at Penn Lincoln Elementary School attended an assembly at the Altoona Area High School on Monday not knowing they all... - Altoona Mirror

11-19-2019 Ready or not, here comes REAL ID A century ago, more than half the states in America didn’t require drivers to have a license to get behind the wheel. Times have, of course, changed. And when the sun creeps over the horizon on Oct. 1, 2020, Pennsylvanians will need more than that driver’s license if they want to do anything... - Uniontown Herald-Standard

34 11-19-2019 California to Stop Buying From Automakers That Backed Trump on Emissions California.s government has hit back at automakers that sided with President Trump over the state on fuel efficiency standards, saying Sacramento will halt all purchases of new vehicles from General Motors, Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and other automakers that backed stripping California... - New York Times

11-19-2019 Towing Fee Increases Approved in State College Getting your vehicle towed in State College will now be a little more costly. Borough Council on Monday approved hikes to seven fees charged by companies licensed for towing vehicles from public streets or property at the request of the borough. The changes include:... - State College News

11-19-2019 Bikers serve Thanksgiving Dinner to residents of Hope Enterprises, Inc. WOOLRICH — It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to help someone less fortunate than yourself. Just ask members of the Susquehanna Valley Big Twins Motorcycle Club, who’ve been preparing a Thanksgiving Dinner for residents of Hope Enterprises for the last 31 years.... - Lock Haven Express

11-19-2019 Pottsville council rejects parking garage bids POTTSVILLE — The city council on Monday morning rejected bids for the new parking garage on Mahantongo Street. At a special meeting, the council voted unanimously against all proposals for the building at Mahantongo and South Second streets and authorized city... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

11-19-2019 O'Hara officials unhappy about bus stop elimination near RIDC Park O’Hara officials say they had a simple request for Port Authority: Move bus stops for the P10 Allegheny Flyer from potentially dangerous locations on the exit ramps from Route 28 at the RIDC industrial park into the park itself. Instead, they say, the agency will eliminate the bus stops used by local... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-19-2019 Pass with care: Miller bill sets bicyclists, horse and buggies as 'vulnerable' with increased fines for injuring them Adriana Atencio finds herself in the path of aggressive and reckless drivers "all the time." Sometimes when a driver gets too close to her on the road -- closer than the four- feet required for passing -- she said she will calmly go up to their window to inform them they need to give cyclists a bit more space.... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

11-19-2019 Despite traffic concerns, Lehigh Valley’s next medical marijuana dispensary could open next year in Route 191 shopping center The Bethlehem Township commissioners approved a measure that will allow a medical marijuana dispensary to open a store possibly by spring in a Route 191 shopping center. The commissioners’ 4-1 vote Monday night granted Chicago company Justice Grown Pennsylvania a conditional use permit to open a dispensary in... - Allentown Morning Call

11-19-2019 Despite traffic concerns, Lehigh Valley's next medical marijuana dispensary could open next year in Route 191 shopping center The Bethlehem Township commissioners approved a measure that will allow a medical marijuana dispensary to open a store possibly by spring in a Route 191 shopping center. The commissioners. 4-1 vote Monday night granted Chicago company Justice Grown Pennsylvania a conditional use permit to open a dispensary in a... - Allentown Morning Call

35 11-19-2019 Feds recommend plane redesign after woman.s death on a 2018 Southwest flight over PA Federal authorities on Tuesday recommended a sweeping overhaul on some of the most commonly used aircraft in the world after an investigation into an Southwest Airlines engine failure last year over Pennsylvania that caused a passenger.s death. The National Transportation Safety Board recommended that the plane.s... - Philadelphia Inquirer

11-19-2019 Death by train Her first fatality still haunts. It.s late afternoon, and Raelynn Dickerson, a SEPTA engineer on the Main Line, is approaching a city station where people often risk dashing across the tracks. She has to be alert. Someone is walking directly in the path of the train.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

11-18-2019 PA Turnpike Commission Meeting Agenda for November 19, 2019 (Press Release)

11-18-2019 PennDOT, TSA: Final Holiday Travel Season Before Federal REAL ID Enforcement (Press Release)

11-18-2019 Wolf Administration Highlights Holiday Travel Safety Tips (Press Release)

11-18-2019 Warehouse project vote set in East Hanover Township in Dauphin and Lebanon counties East Hanover Township supervisors in Dauphin and Lebanon counties are hosting back- to-back meetings where they will decide if Hanover Logistics, LLC can construct a nearly 1 million-square-foot warehouse that straddles the county line. The company is seeking a conditional use permit from East Hanover Township... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

11-18-2019 Is PennDOT paving near you? Here's the agency's 5-year plan for Bucks County The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently released its five-year paving schedule to help combat potholes and craters throughout state-owned roads in Bucks and Montgomery counties. From Tinicum to Bensalem, there’s no shortage of rough roads in Bucks... - Levittown Bucks County Courier Times

11-18-2019 Southern considers closing BWI gate MARTINSBURG — The federal government’s decision to stop subsidizing Southern Airways Express flights at the Hagerstown, Md., airport could have a trickle-down effect upon flights at the Altoona-Blair County Airport. Because of the lack of Hagerstown’s subsidy and a rent increase for its... - Altoona Mirror

11-18-2019 Editorial: Major cuts in road funding hurt Berks The Issue: PennDOT officially shelves plans to overhaul the West Shore Bypass. Our Opinion: It's devastating if unsurprising news. The answer is more infrastructure funding. The news that PennDOT has shelved plans for a badly needed overhaul of Route 422, among other projects, is hardly a surprise but it still feels... - Reading Eagle

11-18-2019 Road restrictions planned in Limerick starting Nov. 18 LIMERICK — Evergreen Road between Lightcap Road and Rupert Road in Limerick Township will be restricted for bridge construction. The work is part of a project to rehabilitate and improve a five-mile section of the expressway between the Royersford/ Trappe and Sanatoga... - Norristown Times Herald

36 11-18-2019 Davidson announces $250K grant for Millbourne infrastructure project MILLBOURNE — State Rep. Margo Davidson, D-164 of Upper Darby, announced last week that WRD Sears L.P. has received a $250,000 state grant to fund an intersection improvement project located in Millbourne Borough. Davidson and others have long been working to secure this funding and now that... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

11-18-2019 Local police conduct targeted aggressive-driving enforcement LEWISTOWN–The Mifflin County Regional Police Department joined the Pennsylvania State Police and more than 200 municipal police agencies to conduct targeted aggressive-driving enforcement from Oct. 21 through Nov. 17. Regional Officers made 63 traffic stops while working this special... - Lewistown Sentinel

11-18-2019 City streets names link to historical locals Street names hold historic value in Williamsport, many of them dating back to pioneers in the borough and city’s founding and fixtures. These streets including Basin, Franklin, Packer, Beeber, Maynard and Hughes — among others. Much of these street names listed above and below were included by... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

11-18-2019 Ford Wants to Sell You an Electric S.U.V. It's Called a Mustang. Ford Motor.s latest offering seems like an oxymoron twice over: It.s a sport utility vehicle that.s electric . that.s a Mustang. It.s also Detroit.s biggest bet yet on a mass-market future for battery-powered cars. The big automakers have been producing hybrid and fully electric vehicles... - New York Times

11-18-2019 SEPTA to expand solar-powered regional rail signals PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — SEPTA announced plans to expand its solar- powered signals to three more regional rail lines next year. Solar panels have provided backup electricity for train signals on the Chestnut Hill West line for the past year. "Having the signal power reliable allows our train system to be reliable,"... - KYW News Radio 1060

11-18-2019 Baltimore residents who live in food deserts can now take a subsidized Lyft ride to grocery store At 81, Evelyn Robinson finds trips to the grocery store tiring and inconvenient. She either faces a long bus ride from her Cherry Hill neighborhood to the Shoppers Food several miles away, or else finds a grandkid or fellow church member willing to drive her. She’ll often... - Baltimore Sun

11-18-2019 Voting open for PennDOT ‘Paint the Plow’ contest Voting opened Monday for the best student-created design on PennDOT snowplow blades this winter. Eight finalists from high schools in the department’s four-county District 12 area are vying for votes in the Paint the Plow contest. The theme this year is “Don’t Rush in Ice and Slush.”... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

11-18-2019 Do you know where your gun is? Some airport travelers don't When a Texas man got caught with a loaded firearm at the Pittsburgh International Airport security checkpoint on Halloween, he turned gun shy. He didn’t know he had the handgun with him, he explained. It’s a common refrain among those who end up being detained at security... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

37 11-18-2019 Uber's self-driving cars are back on Pittsburgh's roads, but a fatal crash in Arizona still sticks with them After the first rush of excitement, Pittsburghers got pretty comfortable with self-driving cars tooling around town, picking up Uber riders and causing tourists to gawk at the big, chunky thing spinning on top of the vehicles. But the situation may have been more dangerous than it appeared, even if no... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-18-2019 Study debunks myth about safety for backseat passengers Vehicle safety officials say they are making little progress fighting an old myth that costs more than 400 lives a year across the county. The myth: It’s OK for backseat passengers not to wear seat belts because they are safer sitting back there. “It’s just not true,” James Hedlund, an Ithaca, N.Y.-based... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-18-2019 Study estimates 500 million pieces of litter on Pennsylvania roads. Here are the worst offenders. From the cigarette butt casually tossed from a car window to the empty soda that never seems to move to yesterday.s fast-food container, there.s never a shortage of garbage to be found along Pennsylvania.s highways. But for the first time in two decades, researchers have put a number on the... - Allentown Morning Call

11-17-2019 David M. Shribman: The historic resonance of the Winnipeg general strike Why should we care today about a general strike in a faraway city on the remote Canadian plains exactly a century ago? Why should the fact that it lasted six weeks and involved 36,000 strikers . or even that it produced at least four novels . interrupt our preoccupations with American travails, a... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-17-2019 Say no to long car loans: Car buyers shn't stretch themselves­ so thin America.s taste for bigger, more expensive vehicles loaded with lots of features has created a new financial threat for many middle-class families . the seven-year car loan. While car loans typically took three or five years for consumers to pay off, the larger and more expensive SUVs and trucks that are popular are... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-17-2019 A smooth descent - Pittsburgh International airline costs to hit lowest point in nearly 20 years Airlines will be paying their lowest rates in nearly two decades to operate out of Pittsburgh International Airport in 2020. The cost to board a passenger will drop to $9.29 next year as part of a $114.4 million budget approved Friday by the Allegheny County Airport... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-17-2019 Port Authority to reroute some buses to service CCAC North and Northland Library More than five years after North Hills residents, businesses and organizations began lobbying for it, Port Authority will extend service to Community College of Allegheny County's North Campus and the Northland Library in McCandless next March. Port Authority announced changes for the 012 McKnight Flyer last week as... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-17-2019 Proposed BRT system between Oakland and Downtown Pittsburgh moving to final design Plans for Port Authority.s proposed Bus Rapid Transit system between Downtown and Oakland may be lagging behind the agency.s original schedule, but CEO Katherine Eagan Kelleman said the extra time has been well spent. When Allegheny County and Pittsburgh officials joined the authority in... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

38 11-17-2019 American Airlines flight from Chicago to DC diverts to Pittsburgh An American Airlines flight from Chicago to Washington, D.C. diverted to Pittsburgh Saturday morning because of a mechanical issue. No one was injured, and there was no disruption to air traffic out of Pittsburgh International Airport. American Airlines 2244 was traveling from Chicago O.Hare International... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11-17-2019 Riding SEPTA with Betsy Ross: How Philly's most iconic woman gets to work Betsy Ross gets dressed in the dark. Whatever natural light comes through the windows is what Betsy Ross uses to see, as she slips a handmade white linen shift over her head. Carol Spacht, 63, says Betsy Ross did not have electricity. So when Spacht prepares to be... - Philadelphia Inquirer

11-17-2019 Study: More than 500M pieces of litter strewn along Pennsylvania roads An estimated 500 million pieces of litter were strewn along Pennsylvania roads in 2018- 2019, with cigarette butts and plastic food packaging, bottles and bags ranking among the most commonly picked-up items, according to the Pennsylvania Litter Research Study.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

11-17-2019 Letters to the Editor 11/16/2019 Editor: Having followed The Times-Tribune.s enthusiastic support of Mayor-elect Paige Cognetti and Scranton Councilwoman-elect Jessica Rothchild, I now wait with bated breath to see if the same enthusiasm for the participation of women in polite society will be extended to the... - Scranton Times

11-17-2019 Scranton fire chief turns in self-audit of gas card use City Fire Chief Patrick DeSarno determined he owes taxpayers $559.19 for gas used for personal travel over the last 5½ years, Mayor Wayne Evans said. City officials, however, declined late this week to provide The Times-Tribune with the documents the fire chief turned in earlier this... - Scranton Times

11-17-2019 Cheers and Jeers CHEERS to the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, which is 20 years old this month. The arena has fulfilled its promise and then some, spawning a retail, hotel and entertainment district that generates more than $60 million per year and employs more than 1,000.... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

11-17-2019 AG: Proactively addressing infrastructure needs would create new jobs Auditor General Eugene DePasquale last week said Pennsylvania must proactively plan for the changing climate . a problem that already threatens public safety and drives significant new costs for taxpayers. .The longer we fail to act, the greater the risks to our environment, our... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

11-17-2019 DEP orders Charleroi gasoline station to clean up spill The state Department of Environmental Protection gave a Charleroi service station until the end of the business day Friday to hire a qualified company to clean up nearly 1,000 gallons of gasoline that spilled from its underground storage tank last month. Thank you for Reading!... - Uniontown Herald-Standard

11-17-2019 Pat Bywater: 2020 year of Erie's iconic bayfront connection? The release of a study and plans to rework the Bayfront Parkway are coming together to move this revitalization priority to the front of the line. It.s been nearly four years since Erie.s revitalization plan, Erie Refocused, laid before city residents a series of challenges designed to... - Erie Times-News

39 11-17-2019 Route 422 demands attention [Editorial] Officials call for people to help reduce congestion on crowded highway. Our Opinion: People should do whatever they can, but they're going to need some help. There aren't many topics that inspire near-universal agreement among people in our region, but the ongoing headache that is Route 422 definitely falls... - Reading Eagle

11-17-2019 Could drone deliveries help the environment? Let's unpack that In the era of e-commerce, it takes a single click to order anything you.d like. But it takes a lot of energy to bring it to your door. Items are shipped from factories, shuttled between warehouses and finally trucked to your home. This convenience comes at an environmental cost .... - Los Angeles Times

11-17-2019 F.A.A. Chief Urges Employees to Resist Pressure to End Max's Grounding As the grounding of Boeing.s 737 Max enters its eighth month, the company has been pressing the Federal Aviation Administration to speed up its approval of a fix that is necessary to return the plane to service. Before the Max is allowed to fly again, the F.A.A. must test new software... - New York Times

11-17-2019 California and nearly two dozen other states sue Trump administration for the right to set fuel-efficiency standards California and 22 other states sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, asking a federal court to block the Trump administration from stripping the nation.s most populous state of its long-standing authority to set its own fuel-efficiency standards on cars and trucks.... - Washington Post

11-15-2019 Pennsylvania has 500 million pieces of litter on roads, and it’s costing taxpayers Pennsylvania officials say the Keystone State has a big litter problem, with an estimated 500 million pieces of trash on roadways costing more than $14 million annually to cleanup. Not only that, but a new survey shows residents agree there’s a problem and something needs to be done.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

11-15-2019 Erie, Crawford municipalities get state funding Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday announced the approval of 141 new projects totaling $79.3 million through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. Millcreek Township will receive $2.5 million for its Peninsula Drive multipurpose trail extension project. Lawrence Park Township was awarded $363,800 for 2020 streets resurfacing... - Erie Times-News

11-15-2019 DePasquale: Climate change costing Pa. millions in infrastructure damage, but there’s a fix Climate change cost Pennsylvania taxpayers at least $261 million in 2018, with half of that amount, $125.7 million, inflicted on the state’s infrastructure due to “record- breaking” flooding and landslides, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Wednesday.... - Washington Observer-Reporter

11-15-2019 Utility patching sparks complaints in Wilkes-Barre WILKES-BARRE — City officials have seen a recent spike in complaints about the patching of utility cuts on city streets. Utility company workers laid down some asphalt over a pavement cut on Hazle Street on Wednesday. By Thursday, the patchwork was cracked and chunks of... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

40 11-15-2019 Montgomery County projects receive awards for design, preservation Five outstanding projects, their creators and a dedicated advocate, who leads, motivates, and energizes others to enhance and protect communities and the environment, were honored at the Montgomery Awards celebration sponsored by the Montgomery County Planning Commission and the Montgomery... - Lansdale Reporter

11-15-2019 Borough officials eye accessibility, mobility issues in Greenville GREENVILLE — Officials are working to address accessibility and mobility issues throughout the borough. In a preliminary discussion this week, council members discussed the possibility of holding its meetings at Greenville Senior Center, which is more accessible than the borough building, said Borough Manager Jasson... - Sharon Herald

11-15-2019 Money coming to five communities in central Pennsylvania for traffic improvements Money is coming for five projects in central Pennsylvania that will help improve main streets, alleviate traffic congestion and rehab a deserted railroad spur. Gov. Tom Wolf's office released a list of 141 projects statewide that will receive funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund. In total, $79.3... - Chambersburg Public Opinion

11-15-2019 Uber Fined $649 Million for Saying Drivers Aren’t Employees The move by New Jersey could reverberate across the gig economy. - New York Times

11-15-2019 Spending for California's bullet train is dividing state leaders like never before Even after a decade of abrupt U-turns for California’s high-speed rail project, state leaders are now split like never before. Gov. Gavin Newsom insists the state stick with his plan to use all of the remaining funds to build an operating segment in the San Joaquin Valley... - Los Angeles Times

11-15-2019 Making new ground PennDOT has taken action to bolster a sinking section of Dorcon Road. Instead of building a retaining wall or applying more pavement, PennDOT brought in a Houston- based company and tried a relatively new technique. The Uretek USA team injected an expanding structural polyurethane into soft... - Warren Times Observer

11-15-2019 PennDOT considering roundabout, improving signals in Wysox WYSOX TOWNSHIP — Citing safety concerns and traffic congestion at the intersection of Route 187 and Route 6 in Wysox Township, PennDOT is exploring possible solutions including signal improvements and a roundabout, commonly referred to as a traffic circle, to combat the issue.... - Towanda Daily Review

11-15-2019 State chips in $1.3 million to evaluate flood-prone road Brady Township received welcome news this week with word of state funding for a much- needed road project. The $1.3 million grant will help pay for elevating Turnback Road to prevent its flooding, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, who along with state Rep. , R-Muncy, helped secure funding for the... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

11-15-2019 Public reviews PennDOT bridge plans PennDOT shared plans during an open house event Wednesday night for an upcoming bridge replacement in Jackson Township slated for summer 2021. The department will replace a circa-1927 two-span reenforced concrete bridge over Herod Run, located along Route 305 just west of Ennisville and... - Huntingdon Daily News

41 11-15-2019 County loses bid for $1.2M grant to rehab old bridge for new trail LOCK HAVEN — A $1.2 million grant the Clinton County commissioners hoped would help pay for the most expensive phase of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail isn’t coming. “We were denied,” Commissioner Pete Smeltz announced at Thursday’s meeting, obviously upset and saddened by the news.... - Lock Haven Express

11-15-2019 PennEast says it will take pipeline matter to Supreme Court In light of a recent decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit that upended nearly 80 years of practice by the natural gas industry and disregarded Congress’s intent in enacting a critical provision of the Natural Gas Act, the PennEast Pipeline Company announced... - Lehighton Times News

11-15-2019 Unity supervisors approve site plan for proposed Sheetz store Plans for a proposed Sheetz store along Route 30 West and Theatre Street cleared a final hurdle on Thursday, as the Unity Township Supervisors approved a final site plan for the project. A 6,100-square-foot gas station and convenience store is set to be built at... - Latrobe Bulletin

11-15-2019 Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, DEP and PennDOT announce statewide initiative to reduce littering Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, along with the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Transportation (PennDOT), announced an initiative to reduce littering in Pennsylvania Thursday. The results of the first statewide study on litter in over 20 years were... - Bradford Era

42 Transportation Recap is a weekly report on legislative and executive actions on transportation related legislation and is compiled and edited by PLS.

For subscription information, questions or more information contact PLS at [email protected] or 717-236-6984. Thank you, Lynn, Jeff, Mike, Matt Hess, Matt Hykes, Deborah, Cheryl, Aaron, Becky, Amyra, Nick, Nicole, Robert, Emily, Andrew, Shaun, Justin, Sheri, Harrison, Sarah, and John.

Copyright © 2019. All materials contained in the Transportation Recap are protected by US copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast, modified, electronically forwarded or copied, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from Pennsylvania Legislative Services to purchase the rights to make or forward additional copies.

Provided by Pennsylvania Legislative Services 240 N. 3rd St. 8th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101 Phone: 717.236.6984 Fax: 717.236.5097 www.mypls.com