April 12 - 18, 2019 WEEKLY TRANSPORTATION RECAP Contents Around the Rotunda Around the Rotunda . . . . . 1 Committee News ...... 1 No Around the Rotunda this week. Bullet .in .Points...... 18 Committee News Cosponsor Memos. . . . . 18 Bill Actions ...... 18 House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee 4/15/19, 1:29 p.m., 60 East Wing Upcoming Events...... 24 By Jessica Richardson, Pennsylvania Legislative Services In the News...... 25 The committee met to consider legislation. SESSION STATUS At 1:17 p.m. on Wednesday, HB 915 Causer, Martin - (PN 1036) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in size, weight and load, April 10, 2019 the Senate further providing for permit for movement during course of manufacture; and, in powers of stands in recess until Monday, department and local authorities, further providing for power of Governor during emergency. April 29, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., The bill establishes that combination of vehicles which is hauling milk to or from a milk plant unless sooner recalled by the or to or from a dairy farm, or is traveling to a dairy farm to pick up milk, may be permitted President Pro Tempore. 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, At 2:02 p.m. on Wednesday, State or local emergency unless it is specifically stated in a proclamation or executive order. April 17, 2019 the House Effective in 60 days. - The bill was passed over. stands adjourned until Monday, April 29, 2019 at 1:00 - 30 - p.m., unless sooner recalled by the Speaker. House Judiciary Committee UPCOMING SESSION DAYS 4/16/19, 10:00 a.m., 140 Main Capitol House By Jessica Richardson, Pennsylvania Legislative Services April 29, 30 May 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 22 The committee held a hearing on Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) safety issues. (non-voting), 23 (non-voting) June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, Ronald Haggerty, judge, Fayette County Magisterial District Court 14-1-02 and Special 18, 19, 20, 24-28 Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania (SCJAP) chairman, stated that MDJs are the Senate front line of the courts. He said most cases start with them and include: summary traffic and April 29, 30 non-traffic citations, landlord tenants, civil cases up to $12,000, issuing search warrants May 1, 6, 7, 8 and issuing emergency protection from abuse (PFA) orders. He noted that MDJs handled June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 2,331,818 cases in 2017; collected $252 million in fines and costs in 2017; and collected 18, 19, 24-28 $259 million in fines and costs in 2018. Haggerty said most district courts in Pennsylvania are not secure and have no way of protecting the public. He stated that security is provided in all other levels of the court, schools, Capitol and even sporting events.

Haggerty continued that in September 2018 in Fayette County a gunman opened fire at a district court. He said three people were shot and injured and the gunman was subsequently shot and killed by local police. The gunman was at the court that day along with one of the victims for a domestic violence case, Haggerty said. He stated that since the shooting, Fayette County has been trying to make the offices more secure through structure improvements, camera upgrades and 24 hours a week of armed security for each office. Haggerty explained that Title 18 prohibits firearms in a court facility but currently reads that each county shall make available at or within the building containing a court facility lockers or similar facilities for the purpose of temporary checking firearms. He commented that this is a dangerous mandate. Haggerty stated there is a $2 million line item with the General Assembly. He said with the funding, Fayette County has taken advantage of it in trying to improve security with bullet proof glass and more secure doors.

John Fishel, judge, York County Magisterial District Court 19-3-01 and Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) Security Task Group chairman, added that they are looking for advice and ideas as right now the courts are not in the position to protect the people they serve.

Chairman Kaufmann asked what their primary goal to provide greater safety would be. Jack Lippart, judge, Delaware County Magisterial District Court 32-2-44, asked that the law be changed to no guns. Fishel added that the problem is already here and they need enforcement mechanisms.

Minority Chairman Briggs commented that he is unsure if spending more and more money on fortifying or making situations safer is the best solution or if the state should instead spend more money on the underlying issue of guns in society. He said that he understands people should be safe when they come to the courtroom.

Rep. Mihalek noted that when she was an assistant district attorney the level of security was inconsistent across the courtrooms. She said on busy days people would be standing shoulder to shoulder in the waiting room and someone would not be able to find a constable if they needed them. She stated that if she needed to speak to a victim privately she would have to go outside.

Rep. Shusterman stated that as a freshman legislator this is good information to hear as she assumed there was security. She asked how many offices are properly secure today throughout Pennsylvania. Haggerty replied that a majority are not. Rep. Shusterman asked if there was any legislation proposed that would make it mandatory to not bring a firearm into the facility when going to court. Haggerty stated that there is legislation that a person cannot bring it into a courtroom, but there is nothing that covers the lobby area. Rep. Shusterman inquired about the parameters of the facility. Haggerty responded that there are cameras that can film the aftermath but there is no way to provide security on the parameters. Lippart noted that what blows his mind is that they have to go through so many exercises to bring a gun into the facility when there should simply be no guns. Fishel added that they are not just talking about firearms, but are talking about weapons period.

Rep. Jozwiak commented that he disagrees with what has been said regarding carrying a firearm in a court facility. He said that it prohibits it in a court facility and that would include the lobby. Haggerty explained that the law has it that the court must provide lockers or a storage facility for firearms which clouds the law. Rep. Jozwiak asked if the offices are maintained by the counties and if it is the county.s responsibility to put in the lockers. Haggerty replied that a lot of facilities have lockboxes but the boxes are not in a proper room away from the general public. Rep. Jozwiak inquired if MDJs would want sheriffs to be security as they are for the court of common pleas. The panel agreed that would be helpful.

Rep. Nesbit asked who would have jurisdiction in some of these arrests regarding having a firearm in a court facility. Lippart stated the state police. Rep. Nesbit commented that the state is short on some of the state police now. Rep. Nesbit asked for an example of where security is working well. Haggerty replied that from his understanding Allegheny County does pretty well. He added that Fayette County is making a lot of nice changes and people are commenting that they feel more secure. He said they have a constable or security at the front door monitoring people coming in. Rep. Nesbit inquired if that comes out of county funds. Haggerty replied yes, it does.

Rep. Zabel commented that he is a firm believer in finding a way to increase the level of security because when he came from the Philadelphia courts to the courtrooms in Delaware County he was amazed at the openness of where people were coming in. He said he appreciates the panel brining in simple legislative solutions as he does not see why they need to accommodate someone who wants to bring a firearm to a court facility. Rep. Zabel asked if there have been problems with things like witness intimidation in the open areas and generalized waiting rooms. Haggerty said there have been problems but there have been changes made in Fayette County with security.

Rep. Ecker noted that in Adams County they have centralized some MDJs which happen to be the domestic relations

2 office where there is a secure building and sheriff deputies. He suggested that there may be a solution by centralizing these locations. He asked if there are any barriers to that. Fishel replied that he understands the point of putting them in one specific building for certain types of cases but what it would be saying is that the courts are not safe enough. Haggerty commented that if the MDJs were moved out of the community it would become an issue. Rep. Ecker asked if there are any legal barriers. Lippart stated that he believes it is part of the constitution that the court must be part of the community.

Rep. Miller stated that the work that goes on in the panel.s offices is incredibly important. He said that he is proposing a bill for a safety audit through each of the offices. He said he has concerns that what happened in Fayette County is not abnormal in a sense that it can be a hostile environment. Rep. Miller said the exterior of the facilities are where it is the most heated or most intimidating environment for victims and defendants. He stated that if they can get an analysis on what the courts need from a statewide perspective he would fight for finances to get those improvements. Lippart noted that the committee has discussed this and put together their ideas and thoughts for a statewide security assessment.

Chairman Kauffman asked if the incident in Fayette County was in the courtroom. Haggerty replied that it is his understanding that it began in the parking lot area where the man shot at the woman and she ran into the facility so he then ran after her. Chairman Kauffman inquired if MDJs are all permitted to arm themselves. Lippart replied that as citizens they are. Haggerty stated that there is an exception for court officials but the law in unclear in the definition of court official. He added that a lot of judges are retired police and would like to have that option.

- 30 -

House State Government Committee 4/16/19, 9:00 a.m., Room 60 East Wing By Jeff Cox, Pennsylvania Legislative Services Video: (click here)

The committee met to consider nine bills.

HB 57 Fritz, Jonathan - (PN 913) 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 Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council created under the Interstate High Speed Rail Passenger Network Compact; (4) 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); (5) The Weather Modification Board within the Department of Agriculture; (6) The Pennsylvania Public Television Network Commission; (7) The Pennsylvania Quality Leadership Awards Council; (8) The Small Business Advocacy Council within the Department of Community and Economic Development; and (9) The Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Advisory Committee within the Department of Health. The bill also makes related repeals. .Effective in 60 days. - The bill was reported as amended with the committee Democrats voting in the negative.

A00756 by Everett, makes various corrections in the bill. The amendment was adopted with the committee Democrats voting in the negative.

Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna), prime sponsor of the bill, provided a brief overview of the legislation. He explained he discussed the legislation with the Wolf administration to come up with the nine different boards, commissions and other entities to be abolished because they are outdated or not utilized. Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) wanted to know if the administration supports the current bill. Rep. Fritz said he is confident the administration is on board. He pointed out the administration suggested the elimination of the Weather Modification Board within the Department of Agriculture. Rep. Solomon asked if any of the suggested boards currently meet. Rep. Fritz responded, “They do not.” Rep. Solomon asked, “What do they do?” According to Rep. Fritz, “they only exist on paper.” Minority Chairman Kevin Boyle (D-Philadelphia) reported that the Democratic members of the committee have not been informed by the Wolf administration that they are in

3 support of the bill. - 30 -

House Commerce Committee 04/16/19, 9:30 a.m., 140 Main Capitol By Sheri Melnick, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

HB 1166 Jozwiak, Barry - (PN 1344) Amends the act entitled “A further supplement to an act, entitled’ An act to establish a board of wardens for the Port of Philadelphia, and for the regulation of pilots and pilotage, and for other purposes,’ approved March twenty-ninth, one thousand eight hundred and three, and for regulating the rates of pilotage and number of pilots,” further providing for rates of pilotage and computation, for pilotage fees and unit charge and for charges for services. The bill increases various pilotage fees and charges. Effective in 60 days. -The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) explained that the first Congress passed the Lighthouse Act in 1789 and regulated what pilots can do and gave the powers to the states. “This bill is supported by all of the river pilots and all the people in the shipping industry,” he noted.

Minority Chairman John Galloway (D-Bucks) stated that his entire district in lower Bucks County borders the Delaware River, and he expressed appreciation for Rep. Jozwiak for bringing up the bill. Rep. Jozwiak voiced his thanks to Chairman Galloway for being a co-sponsor.

Rep. Michael Driscoll (D-Philadelphia) explained that he represents a portion of Philadelphia, and because tax dollars are spent in dredging the Delaware River, skilled navigators are necessary to pilot ships on the Delaware River. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) asserted his support of the bill and the economic benefits of the port of Philadelphia.

- 30 -

House Tourism and Recreation and House Transportation Committees 4/17/19, 9:30 a.m., Hearing Room 1, North Office Building By Matt Hess, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee held a joint informational meeting to discuss anti-litter initiatives.

Chairman Millard explained that the purpose of the hearing was to discuss anti-litter initiatives that improve Pennsylvania’s environment and enhance the commonwealth’s appeal to visitors.

Chairman Hennessey noted that the American Automobile Association (AAA) used to consistently name Pennsylvania as the most scenic in the United States and Act 62 of 2018 was meant to return Pennsylvania to that status.

Minority Chairman Longietti echoed the sentiments of his fellow chairmen. “We have an opportunity to make a first impression once and it’s wildly important to make a good first impression and get those travelers to come back to Pennsylvania,” he stated.

Carrie Lepore, deputy secretary of marketing, tourism, and film, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), yielded her time to her fellow panelists. “I am here to participate, to learn, and help be a part of the solution,” she stated.

Chairman Millard thanked Lepore for her work in promoting tourism in Pennsylvania.

4 Christopher Barrett, president and CEO, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, delivered a PowerPoint presentation. He emphasized that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in the Pocono Mountain region works well to mitigate litter, but the need exceeds their capacity to fully address the issue. He explained that the Pocono Mountain region experienced the strongest growth in tourism in Pennsylvania and the region generates $370 million in state and local revenue through tourism. He added that tourism generates $4.5 billion in state and local tax revenue as a whole in Pennsylvania. “Tourism is one of the largest generators of employment in the commonwealth,” he stated. “One in 15 workers is supported by tourism spending. Travelers spent nearly $44 billion in 2017 in tourism spending.”

Barrett explained that the destinations in the Pocono Mountain region are pristine, but the roadways leading up to those properties are what concern the bureau. He highlighted a variety of ways the region is addressing the issue, including organizing roadway cleanups, producing billboard and yard signs to raise anti-littering awareness, and forming coalitions to mitigate litter in a comprehensive way.

Shannon Reiter, president, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB), explained that KPB is recognized nationally for their expertise in illegal dump prevention and abatement, and she highlighted the following statistics on illegal dumping: · Over 6,000 illegal dump sites were identified in Pennsylvania. · There is less dumping where residents have access to trash disposal and recycling services. · It costs $614/ton to clean an illegal dump and the average community cleanup costs around $3,000.

“Our recommendation was and still is to ensure universal access to convenient and affordable trash disposal and recycling. Two key components of that plan which would also help deter littering is to establish rural convenience centers for trash and recycling, and require municipal contracts for waste and recycling services in our cities,” Reiter stated. “We will continue to explore these strategies as we further examine the litter issue in Pennsylvania and evaluate appropriate strategies to address it. Addressing litter is a win-win for all of us. Clean and beautiful communities are a nonpartisan issue. Addressing litter and changing littering behavior is in the best interest of taxpayers, government agencies and businesses alike.”

Reiter explained that last year alone, volunteers picked up 7.2 million pounds of trash from Pennsylvania roadways, trails, and streams. “While a lot of people are talking about marine debris, it’s important to remember that 80 percent of all the plastics that are in our oceans are from land. Trash travels and it travels downstream,” she stated. “A large portion of the plastics in our oceans comes from southeast Asia and other developing economies, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our part to address litter and debris right here at home We should address this issue, not just because we care about sea turtles and migratory birds, but because we care about our neighborhoods, our communities and our own natural resources; because clean and beautiful neighborhoods are building blocks for community and economic development.”

Reiter said KPB, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and PennDOT, hosts the Great American Cleanup on March 1 to May 31 of each year and highlighted the 2018 results: · 5,362 events; · 108,638 invaluable volunteers; · 1,107,164 pounds of materials recycled; · 6,632,920 pounds of trash properly disposed; · 8,915 miles of roads, shorelines and trails cleaned; · and the return in community benefits for each dollar invested by state government was $55.

Reiter said KPB is building a broad coalition of stakeholders to develop a plan to change littering behavior in Pennsylvania. “We have engaged our state agency and municipal partners. We are building the support from the private sector including not just the waste and recycling industry, but also retailers, manufacturers and those related to tourism and transportation,” she stated. “We are putting in the work now to understand the scope of the problem and to develop a thoughtful, strategic plan to change these behaviors. I cannot stress this enough: a public service announcement telling people to stop littering is not going to solve this problem.”

Michael Long, acting director of the Bureau of Maintenance and Operations, PennDOT, emphasized that litter is a major

5 problem on Pennsylvania roadways and discussed ways PennDOT has addressed the issue. “Annually, PennDOT spends upwards of $12.5 million for department personnel to clean up litter from the 40,000 miles of state-maintained highways. PennDOT also supports over 5,100 volunteer groups through the Adopt-A-Highway program. These volunteers have adopted over 10,500 miles of state highways and perform litter removal two to four times a year on their respective sections. Because of this effort, we have realized a savings to taxpayers of over $5 million in litter pickup costs when compared to department-led roadside cleanups,” he stated. “Other efforts have included the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania in 2017, and the Sponsor-A-Highway program, which makes it possible for corporations to help clean our roadways. A number of counties across the state voluntarily participate in our Juvenile and Adult Litter Brigade programs that involve offenders who receive community service sentencing. PennDOT is also participating in a joint effort with Department of Environmental Protection and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to study the root cause of littering. This research will allow us to collaboratively focus on educational campaigns to prevent littering.”

Long then provided an update on the implementation of Act 62 of 2018. He explained that the act grants the department authority to designate a segment of any state highway as a litter enforcement corridor and PennDOT began the process of establishing policies and developing sign standards. He added that PennDOT will need to install over 64 signs on 25 highways to meet the minimum requirements of Act 62, which states that all Scenic Highways shall be designated as a litter enforcement corridor.

Chairman Millard thanked the panel for their testimony and emphasized the importance of recycling to help mitigate litter.

Chairman Hennessey noted that there are Adopt-A-Highway programs and there are DUI programs where an offender picks up litter on highways to mitigate their sentence. He questioned if the programs are coordinated. Long said there is a PennDOT coordinator in each district office to ensure that the programs work together.

Chairman Longietti indicated that counties are eliminating recycle bins because of the cost and inquired about the panel’s thoughts on the issue. Reiter explained that residents in rural areas do not have an infrastructure to take their waste conveniently and affordably. “The rural convenience centers we are proposing are staffed, open at convenient hours, and the consumers pay $2 a bag or whatever the market is to dispose of their trash properly. Then you build the infrastructure for all of those hard-to-dispose items. Today it’s electronics, tomorrow it’s going to be solar panels,” she stated. “Building these rural convenience centers will provide that universal access to trash disposal and recycling and the infrastructure will be built for tires.”

Chairman Longietti questioned if the rural convenience centers are self-funded. Reiter said DEP is looking at regulatory changes to the general permit to authorize the centers. “There are ways to get to full implementation, whether they are privately run or publicly funded, but we advocate for consumers to pay for proper waste disposal,” she stated. “This is not a new model, there are other states that have these centers and they work and people use them.”

Rep. Cook thanked Reiter for her work in helping mitigate a situation in his district. “In a 24-hour period, we were able to collect 560 tires and 560 TVs. If you don’t think there’s a market out there for it, there certainly is,” he stated. Rep. Cook questioned how electronics and tires are currently being handled. Reiter said there is already a law to address electronics and indicated that consumers pay $2 a tire to properly dispose of them. “Maybe there’s a regulatory answer to tires, but having an affordable place to take tires just like electronics and bulky waste when they need it is the infrastructure solution we need in Pennsylvania,” she stated.

Rep. White questioned if there is an effort by PennDOT and DEP to rubberize the abandoned tires on roadways. Long indicated that there are several programs that have been piloted. “Those can be made more available in the future. They aren’t going to take a large quantity, but some can be recycled,” he stated.

Rep. White asked how many rural convenience centers would be necessary to address the litter issue in Pennsylvania. Reiter indicated that issue requires further study to get to that level of specificity. “There should be something in every rural county and it really is based on population and what services already exist,” she stated.

6 Rep. Hahn asked if a Boy Scout troop can adopt a highway. Long said a Boy Scout troop can adopt a highway.

Rep. Hahn questioned how much money is being generated from littering fines. Reiter said there have been 50-60 convictions last year for illegal dumping. “There is a fine for littering, but catching people littering is very challenging,” she stated. “Even with those convictions we’re looking at $45,000 in fines. The fines need to go up. It’s cheaper for a company to dump those tires than properly dispose of them.”

Rep. Heffley questioned how the state can create value for recycling. Reiter said the recycling market is a “tough place right now” with issues in China and indicated that there needs to be a market developed domestically. “Lead and glass is a big issue and there’s no place to take it,” she stated.

Rep. Wentling asked if the litterbug hotline is still operational. Reiter said the hotline was cut several years ago but argued that it was ineffective at mitigating litter in Pennsylvania.

- 30 -

House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee 4/17/19, 9:00 a.m., 140 Main Capitol By Jessica Richardson, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

HB 915 Causer, Martin - (PN 1036) 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. Effective in 60 days. - The bill was reported as committed with Chairman Pashinski and Representatives Burgos, DeLissio, Hanbidge, Madden and Rapp voting in the negative.

A00771 by Chairman Causer , requires that decals are issued by the Milk Marketing Board to be place on any milk truck that wants to be exempt and addresses any truck up to 80,000 pounds that is hauling milk. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

Chairman Pashinski commented that the committee had conversations with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) regarding this matter. He said that he recognizes that milk trucks are different with the chains and all season tires but safety is a paramount interest. Chairman Pashinski said that it is hard for him to support the bill as the emergency organizations are trying to work on the matter and have a two-way conversation with milk haulers in real time.

Chairman Causer noted that the issue is very important for dairy farmers and people in the agriculture industry. He said that he understands the safety aspect but that it is common sense to put dairy in a different category. Chairman Causer stated that cows do not stop producing milk. He added that some people in the administration believe that pushing milk tankers on secondary highways is a safer situation but he does not agree.

Rep. Keller commented that sometimes the legislature has to move a bill like this to get the conversation started. He said this will get the conversation on the front burner instead of the back burner.

Rep. DeLissio stated that she needs to give the benefit of the doubt to the administration for a reasonable period of time. She said that she appreciates the need to push an agency but in this case safety is preeminent. She stated that the agencies

7 are actively trying to figure this out and they are beyond the winter type of weather so there is time.

Rep. Zimmerman commented that the dairy industry is in trouble so they need all the help they can get. He said that while transportation is working on a program, this winter he was receiving pictures from truck drivers that roads were closed when there was no snow. He said clearly this is not working.

Rep. Klunk noted that the amendment is critically important for this bill and they should move the consideration along especially because of the time it would take to implement the decals.

Chairman Causer stated that winter will return and even though it is April now things in this building move very slowly. He said this is an important issue for the agriculture community and if a farmer cannot ship milk the milk will be dumped. He said PEMA, PSP and PennDOT need to educate themselves that the dairy industry is different. He noted that he keeps hearing from the administration that farmers need to change their business model but a farmer cannot turn the cow off.

The committee held a public hearing on issues in the Pennsylvania Dairy Industry.

James Van Blarcom, member, PMMB commented on the consideration of the bill and said that if people are looking for the safest trucks on the road it would be milk haulers. He went on to explain how the PMMB works. He stated that the board is important in licensing things like dealers and truck haulers and keeps track of bonding. Van Blarcom said that the board is petitioned by one of the interested parties to have a hearing and the board then gives 30-days or more notice so everyone that wants to be a part of the program can be part of the program. He said that some of the things that the board discusses are the minimum price premium, price of wholesale, rule changes, in-store handling costs and other things. Van Blarcom encouraged more people to come and testify. He stated that in the end the board must take into consideration all of the dairy industry and use the evidence that it is given.

Robert Barley, chair, Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (PMMB) added that the over order premium (OOP) is specifically set by the board by listening to testimony of different groups and then agreed upon by the board. He said it is only on fluid milk that is produced, processed and marketed in Pennsylvania.

Chairman Pashinski asked for a breakdown of what percentage of a dollar the farmer gets. Barley replied that he does not know the exact number but can give that information at a later time.

Chairman Causer commented that OOP is something he heard about frequently because he lives ten miles from the New York border and his constituents will go to New York to buy milk because the price is cheaper. Barley responded that a quarter to one third of the OOP is not getting back to the Pennsylvania farmer. Blarcom added that farmers like himself sell to cooperatives that then sell to class one deals so a small percentage qualifies for the OOP so he would get less on the dollar. Carol Hardbarger, consumer member, PMMB, stated that there is a lot of misinformation and confusion out there.

Hardbarger explained that PMMB held listening session beginning in September until February. She said the board realized that there is a lot of misinformation out there and they felt the need to communicate to people.

Barley said the first listening session was in Butler at the request of Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Mercer). He said there was a strong focus on school milk and though PMMB is not in control of that process they learned that as a board they need to be proactive and supportive. Barley noted that the last session was in Lancaster and included the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit which focused on OOP and school milk. Van Blarcom added that there were also sessions in Troy and Lebanon.

Hardbarger commented that four themes came out of the listening session. Barley said theme one was milk in schools and the board learned that it is an important issue to get milk back in schools. He added that there was a mention of fundraising with federal rules that even prevented selling milk at fundraisers. Hardbarger said that the board learned there was some flexibility with the fundraisers as the guidelines do not apply for our of school fundraisers.

8 Van Blarcom explained theme two was about closing the border as two session were frustrated with the lower prices in neighboring states and showed frustration that the board cannot prevent the movement of milk across state lines.

Chairman Pashinski asked what would happen if there was no PMMN. Van Blarcom replied that someone would have to take care of the licensing, bonding, weights and samples. He said it would be a free for all when it comes to pricing milk. He commented that Pennsylvania would lose many small delaers and farmers. Barley added that it would accelerate the consolidation of the industry. Hardbarger commented that Ohio lost 25 percent of its farms in three years.

Barley said that theme three was minimum pricing. He said there was a strong belief that retail pricing causes the loss of milk sales. He added people also said that the elimination of minimum pricing would increase milk sales at the retail level; and the system works to benefit the processors and retailers, not the farmers. Barley said the PMMB wants to allow for flexibility but it cannot change the law as it is written.

Rep. Keller commented that in the retail business dairies have to compete for shelf space. He said they are being pushed off to the side for other products and the industry cannot afford the high dollar shelf space. He said because of this, dairy farmers think the retailer is making more money. Barley said he has heard that as well. He noted that the industry needs to bring in new products and keep its current staples.

Rep. Sappey asked how they can work for more transparency in pricing if farmers feel like they are not getting what they need. Barley replied that he does not have a real good answer but that there is public information regarding the different dealers. Hardbarger added that it starts at the federal level so without the federal minimum being raised there is only so much the PMMB can supplement.

Van Blarcom continued that theme four is OOP and people believed that OOPs were going to out of state producers and there is a disparity between independent producers and cooperative members.

Chairman Causer asked if any other states have a board like PMMB. Barley replied that Maine has something similar but Van Blarcom said it is not as strong.

Hardbarger explained that the PMMB did a survey with the cooperation for the Center for Dairy Excellence through using their email list. She said the cooperatives distributed surveys to the amish farmers as well and legislators had asked for hard copies to hand out. She said she believes the survey reached about 600 people and there were three main objectives from the survey: · Determine the level of understanding of Pennsylvania farmers on the OOP and how it is distributed · Determine the relationships between demographic factors of respondents and survey responses · Determine the level of understanding of Pennsylvania farmers of the milk pricing system in Pennsylvania

Hardbarger continued that responses were fairly well distributed across the state. She said of those who responded 59 percent were 45 or older, 16 percent were under 35, and 63 percent were members of cooperatives. She noted that the average her size was 229 with a median of 80.

Barley stated that it is definitely an area of work for the board to get information out there to explain milk pricing and to encourage people to be a part of the hearings. He said they have established social media and newsletters to get the information out there.

Hardbarger stated that respondents were only slightly aware of the following: that the board holds hearings and hears testimony on the OOP about every six months, and that OOP hearing dates are published ahead of time.

Rep. DeLissio asked if the committee can receive specifics about regulations and costs. Barley replied yes. Rep. DeLissio asked about producers doing their own processing and if that would be a vertical business model. Barley responded that it would be for smaller sized dairies looking at it specifically for their small dairies.

9 Hardbarger explained what the board is doing: · Increased newsletter distribution · Increased social media distribution · Developed online form for anonymous feedback · Increased communications with Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees · Increased board attendance at local events · Invesitgated school fundraiser guidelines · Communicate with federal and state legislators regarding milk in school

Rep. Lawrence commended the board for their outreach and proactive approaches taken. He said he would like to see other boards and agency do the same.

Rep. Keller said he appreciates that the panel has taken the initiative to actually make the PMMB public.

Rep. Zimmerman commended the board for trying to educate the public and hopes that will help move the industry forward. He asked how many survey responses came back. Hardbarger replied 321 responses were represented in the data analysis and she has an additional 150 that came in later.

Chairman Pashinski and Chairman Causer thanked the panel for their testimony. Chairman Pashinski noted that this is a complicated process and the conversation has to continue as outreach and marketing are critical on this.

- 30 -

House Appropriations Committee 4/17/19, 11:24 a.m., Room 140 Main Capitol Building By Jeff Cox, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider four bills.

HB 592 Irvin, Rich - (PN 1375) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 305 over Shaver’s Creek in Barree Township, Huntingdon County, as the Private Harold E. “Jim” Knode Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 638) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

- 30 -

Independent Regulatory Review Commission 4/18/19, 10:00 a.m., 333 Market Street, 14th Floor Conference Room By Jeff Cox, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) met to consider one regulation.

Chairman George Bedwick, Commissioner Russell Faber and Commissioner Dennis Watson were in attendance. Vice Chairman John Mizner and Commissioner Murray Ufberg participated via conference call.

Minutes from the March 21, 2019 meeting were unanimously approved.

3161 Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) #57-315: Standards and Billing Practices for Residential Public Utility Service was unanimously approved.

Regulatory Analyst Scott Schalles provided an overview of the regulation. He explained the regulation implements the changes made in Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code by Act 155 of 2014. According to Schalles, Chapter 14 relates to

10 protecting responsible customers of public utilities. He said the amendments to the regulation incorporates the language of Act 155 word for word and address protection from abuse court orders, customer protection from disconnections, medical certificates which prohibit disconnections, verification of meter readings, cash deposits, and interest rates. Schalles also said that Act 155 expanded the definition of public utility to include small natural gas distribution utility, steam heat utility and wastewater utility. He reported 15 parties, including IRRC, submitted comments on the proposed rulemaking. Schalles also reported that upon review of the initial comments, PUC issued an order seeking additional comments from the regulated community. He said that 17 parties filed additional comments. Schalles added IRRC has not received any comments on the final regulation and yesterday the House and Senate standing committees deemed the regulation approved.

Patricia Wiedt, PUC assistant counsel, commented that the PUC has reviewed many comments and “have considered them carefully.” She said, “We faithfully implemented the amended Chapter 14 into our final regulations.” Regarding the cost of implementing the regulations, Wiedt told commission members that utilities and customers have been implementing the regulations since 2015 and there should be little, if any, additional costs. She pointed out, “These costs also involve important consumer protections that are important to be incurred because they represent important public safety net provisions.” Wiedt reported the PUC asked commentators twice for cost information and they provided the PUC with no information that the costs would be exorbitant. She also reported that for areas they did not find consensus or thought they needed more information, the PUC is planning to set up working groups to discuss some of the issues more informally, including the commission’s privacy guidelines, the form of the medical certificate, and the other court orders that qualify for protection. Wiedt concluded, “Our Chapter 56 rulemaking is a good consensus of the commentators and a faithful implementation of the amended Chapter 14 statutes.”

Certain vouchers were unanimously approved.

Tentatively, the next IRRC meeting will be Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. in the 14th Floor Conference Room, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg.

For more information on IRRC and the regulations, please visit IRRC’s website.

- 30 -

House Transportation Committee 4/18/19, 10:00 a.m., Room G-50 Irvis Office Building By Matt Hess and Mike Howells, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee held a public hearing on HB 631.

HB 631 Rothman, Greg - (PN 626) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, adding that “motor vehicle” includes an electric low-speed scooter; in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for vehicles not requiring certificate of title; in registration of vehicles, further providing for vehicles exempt from registration; in rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibitions in specified places; in special vehicles and pedestrians, providing for electric low-speed scooters; and, in powers of Department of Transportation and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of Department of Transportation and local authorities. Every person operating an electric low-speed scooter shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the operator of a pedalcycle. No person under the age sufficient to operate an automobile shall operate an electric low-speed scooter and no person shall operate an electric low-speed scooter at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour. Every electric low-speed scooter when operated between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with lights and reflectors. Effective immediately.

Rep. Rothman, co-prime sponsor of the bill, explained that the legislation would make Pennsylvania “friendly to millennials” because it would give an alternative form of transportation to cars. “We call it micro-mobility. The scooters are low speed, electric, and good for the environment,” he stated.

11 Rep. Kinsey, co-prime sponsor of the bill, provided an overview of the bill. “Our legislation allows for the use of electric low- speed scooters, or e-scooters, on Pennsylvania roadways and sideways just like we do now for bicycles and electric assist bicycles,” he stated. “These scooters can provide an innovative, flexible, and low cost transportation service to millions of Pennsylvanians.”

Ngani Ndimbie, executive policy specialist for the Department of Transportation (PennDOT), told the committee their research into electric scooter deployments across the country show they have “the potential to be a flexible mobility tool for dense urban areas,” with a variety of benefits, including as a connection to mass transit and a car trip substitute. Additionally she said the rental price of electric scooters - $1 initial fee and typically $0.15 per minute - makes them an affordable option for users.

Ndimbie outlined the challenges that have faced municipalities trying to oversee the deployment of electric scooters, including safety, education and permitting. She said the legislation under consideration would allow local governments to regulate scooter parking and sidewalk use.

Ndimbie emphasized to the committee that PennDOT is trying to balance the two sides of its mission, and in that effort has proposed amendatory language to the legislation. She said they propose limiting scooter use to roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less, unless the operator is riding in an available shoulder or bike lane; prohibiting the attachment of a child carrier; requiring a rear light after dusk given the low floorboard of the device; and enumerating a braking distance. She also said the department recommends changing the definition of a “low speed electric scooter” to include a device with a seat, as similar devices with seats are commercially available. Finally she said they want a broader definition for personal mobility devices “to encompass the full range of low-speed personal transportation devices.”

Chairman Hennessey questioned what kind of infrastructure improvements are needed to accommodate e-scooters. Ndimbie said the Bureau of Maintenance and Operations could provide that information to the committee but noted that e-scooters are more susceptible to road debris than other forms of transportation.

Rep. White said the mayor of Philadelphia has proposed a congestion tax and asked if PennDOT believes that e-scooters could increase congestion. Ndimbie said none of the research has shown that it would increase congestion and noted that a Portland study found that e-scooters ease congestion when residents opt to use an e-scooter as opposed to a car.

Rep. White inquired about the potential safety concerns. Ndimbie said a UCLA study found that most people who had e-scooters and suffered an accident had fallen off, or collided with an object, and a few were struck by cars. She added that there were incidents of pedestrians colliding with e-scooters or tripping over them.

Rep. Neilson expressed concern about safety and said there could be 100,000 scooters on Philadelphia sidewalks and streets. He questioned if there are safety requirements included in the legislation. Ndimbie said the legislation sets the age restriction to 16 years old and PennDOT does not require helmets for individuals over 16. “We as a department would recommend helmet use as we do with bicycle use,” she stated.

Rep. Fee inquired about insurance for e-scooters. Ndimbie indicated that the rules for bicycles would apply to e-scooters.

Donald Hannon, transportation policy consultant for the Council of State Government - Eastern Regional Conference, offered an overview of what Pennsylvania’s regional neighbors are planning or have implemented out with respect to electric scooters. Hannon reported “we are witnessing a flurry of e-scooter bills making their way through the state Houses.” He said that as opposed to state regulations for entities such as Lyft and Uber, it will be local jurisdictions that have a greater role in oversight over e-scooter usage. He added, though, that states are generally still establishing “baseline regulations” like minimum age and maximum speeds.

Hannon indicated dockless e-scooter systems, through which scooters can be located and unlocked by smartphone, and left on a sidewalk when a given ride is over, have garnered a greater market share over systems with fixed docking stations.

12 In terms of neighboring states, Hannon focused on Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland and New York. He said Providence has a pilot program of 300 e-scooters, which are allowed on sidewalks. He said as the program has progressed officials there are considering limiting that access due to pedestrian conflicts. Hannon said Boston is waiting to allow e-scooters there until state laws are enacted. New Jersey, he went on, has legislation awaiting the governor’s signature that would allow e-scooters on streets and paved bike paths but not sidewalks, at a maximum speed of 19 mph. In New York, Hannon said, legislation for e-scooters and e-bikes did not make it through the legislative process as part of the state’s budget.

In sum, Hannon said “there are many similarities between how other regional states and how Pennsylvania are approaching e-scooters on the state level.” He told members that if enacted, the challenge for Pennsylvania’s cities “will be to strike a balance between imposing order to ensure the safety of all and not holding back on the micro-mobility opportunities of e-scooter users.”

Douglas Shinkle, transportation program director, National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), provided an overview of state legislative trends with regard to e-scooters. He said proponents say the scooters are inexpensive, easy to use and great for short trips while scooters and opponents view them more as a nuisance than a convenience, with residents complaining of cluttered sidewalks and reckless driving. He explained most states are still working to define scooters in statute. As of December last year, ten states-California, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington-had statutorily defined an electric or motorized scooter and eight of those states offer guidance on legal operation of the vehicles. He said 23 states and the District of Columbia have introduced e-scooter bills so far in 2019. Legislation largely focuses on defining e-scooters, determining whether they can be operated on streets or sidewalks and setting speed limits.

Chairman Hennessey questioned if other states are limiting where the e-scooters are allowed based on population. Shinkle said none of the states he examined had those restrictions in statute.

Chairman Carroll inquired about liability for e-scooters in other states. Shinkle said most states did not address insurance but Utah developed a liability standard for e-scooter share operators. Hannon noted that Washington does require e-scooter operators to carry commercial liability coverage.

Rep. White questioned how municipalities in other states collect fines. Shinkle said there were instances where Denver was fining e-scooter companies for not redistributing e-scooters to agreed-upon locations, cluttering walkways. “Idon’t think there are any good numbers on violations. There’s not good information about individuals speeding, or operating the e-scooters drunk,” he stated. “The focus of the cities is that the right of ways are clear.”

Rep. White asked if municipalities are coordinating with e-scooter operators to identify areas where they would like the companies to operate. Shinkle said Denver made the operators initially operate near bus stops and transit stations but indicated that they are moving toward less prescriptive guidelines.

Rep. Neilson inquired about data on enforcement. Hannon said e-scooters are a “new phenomena” and explained that based on the results of a pilot program, Baltimore is planning on giving more power to their public works department and increasing fines.

Rep. Neilson questioned how the legislation should address safety issues. Shinkle said most scooters are not able to go more than 20 mph but recommended that the committee speak to the National Association of City Transportation Officials.

Rep. Innamorato questioned how taxes imposed on e-scooter users have been used by municipalities. Hannon said Baltimore is using those funds to improve bike paths and infrastructure. “It’s an agreement between the companies and the localities on how much it will to use it,” he stated. Shinkle noted that the National Association of City Transportation Officials would have those fee schedules available.

13 Sam Marshall, along with Jonathan Greer and Noah Karn, offered remarks on behalf of the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania.

“We don’t want to be wet blankets, but we have some safety and liability concerns that should be addressed,” Marshall said. He said it is important to check that scooters truly are as safe as bicycles before they are classified as such. “Our experience is that wheels powered by motors present a different risk than wheels powered only by feet or hands,” he said.

Marshall also suggested that their impact on roads, sidewalks, and bike paths may not be the same as that of bicycles. “It is too soon to tell whether these scooters will be used in the same way as bicycles, in numbers, hours and ways of usage,” he cautioned.

Marshall also said the bill raises insurance issues. Among them he questioned whether there should be state-level guidelines on whether there is any insurance for rental scooters. He also said legislation should clarify that scooters aren’t considered bicycles for the purposes of insurance coverage.

Jonathan Greer, vice president, Pennsylvania Insurance Federation, said the consumer has no idea what condition the e-scooter is in when they rent it and opined that that the an e-scooter may operate differently when it is new as opposed to when it has been used 100 times.

Chairman Hennessey requested that the panel provide information on how other states are addressing the issue of liability and how insurers are processing claims related to e-scooter accidents. Marshall noted that Utah recently passed an e-scooter law and it provides a detailed insurance requirement. He explained that bicycles are covered by a standard home or auto policy but not e-scooters because it has a motor. “For purposes of Title 75, it says e-scooters are bicycles but for purposes of insurance we don’t think e-scooters are bicycles because they are motorized,” he stated.

Chairman Carroll questioned what would happen if the legislation makes e-scooters equivalent to bicycles and asked if the statute would supersede the insurance policy. Marshall said the federation would like the legislation to specifically state that the bill only applies for Title 75 purposes. Chairman Carroll questioned what would happen in the scenario where an e-scooter crashes into a car and causes $1,000 worth of damage. Marshall stated “in that scenario the vehicle that they damaged, that person’s insurance would have to pick up the tab.”

Rep. Kinsey asked how bicycles with motors are currently handled. Marshall said he has never seen a claim on those but assumed that it would not be covered by an auto or home policy because it has a motor.

Rep. Fee inquired about the Utah law and asked if the people who carry the insurance are the ride share companies. Marshall responded “yes.”

Rep. White asked if there are any aspects of the Utah law that should be added in Pennsylvania. Marshall said the Utah law had tighter definitions on what constitutes an e-scooter that could be considered, as well as inspection and maintenance requirements.

Rep. White questioned if an increase in e-scooter accidents could raise insurance rates. Marshall recommended that the legislation provide flexibility for cities to address the issue. “You want the city to be able to step in and say ‘we have some unique concerns these aren’t quite the same as bikes because they are motorized.’ They are just different than bikes,” he stated.

Megan Ryerson, professor of transportation engineering and urban planning at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of the Center for Safe Mobility, discussed the “safety in numbers” factor, in which “when you and I see more people out walking, biking, and scooting, we feel drawn to do the same.” She said that in turn increases demand for separate multipurpose travel lanes. Ryerson said there is a transportation safety crisis in Pennsylvania, and the only way to address it is through “infrastructure that slows down traffic at intersections, makes pedestrians and cyclists more visible, and physically

14 separates fast cars and slower bikes and scooters.”

“I believe scooters are an ally in safe mobility and in building economic vibrant places,” Ryerson said.

Matthew Kopko, director of policy for Bird Rides Inc., an e-scooter company, offered support for HB 631. He said the legislation is “modest and cleans up the code by defining a vehicle type and leaves the choice of whether to allow shared scooters on a city level to the local governments, where it belongs.”

Kopko said that since the company’s founding a year ago, Bird scooters are now in over 100 cities around the world. He explained they are speed-limited and very popular, with dockless sharing systems in place in cities including Washington DC, Baltimore, and Atlanta.

“We are confident we can make Pennsylvania more innovative and more environmentally friendly than ever before, and open a new and exciting industry for Pennsylvanians,” Kopko said.

Shari Shapiro, testified that she represented Lime, an organization which provides a network of dockless shared transportation options free of charge to communities, including electric bikes and scooters. “It is hard to comprehend just how popular scooters have become,” she stated. According to Shapiro, Lime provided over 100 communities more than 35 million rides in the past two years. She indicated the only major cities that do not have access to shared electric scooters are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago and New York City.

“By passing HB 631, which would allow scooters to legally operate in Pennsylvania, you will be taking action to improve mobility options, increase the economic attractiveness of Pennsylvania and respond to your constituents’ requests, all at no cost to the taxpayer,” Shapiro said. “ln just the past six weeks, more than 1,000 Pennsylvanians have written to us to share why they want scooters here.” She provided submitted comments from residents seeking to utilize electric scooters.

“Recent data gathered by the San Francisco Metro Transit Authority showed that scooters induce transit trips at roughly four times the rate that they replace transit trips, indicating that they complement transit by serving as a valuable last mile connection,” Shapiro stated. “In addition to these transportation benefits, passing HB 631 can help address some of Pennsylvania’s most pressing challenges with retaining young people, competing for tourism dollars, and attracting businesses.”

Shapiro stated that the aging population is a challenge for the commonwealth. “lf we don’t have residents to replenish the workforce, jobs will go unfilled, companies will not be attracted to the region, and our economy will falter,” she said. “To be competitive in attracting and retaining talent, we at least need to be offering the same benefits and amenities as our peer states.”

Shapiro claimed that Pennsylvania’s tourism industry supports 6.5 percent of the commonwealth’s jobs, and contributes $4.1 billion in state and local taxes. She claimed that each resident would pay $770 more in taxes without the tourism industry. “However, Pennsylvania has experienced a significant decline in its tourism market share relative to eight competitive states,” she said “By enabling scooters, Pennsylvania would offer an amenity that people already expect in their vacation destinations.”

“We also say that we want to make Pennsylvania attractive to technology businesses and promote innovation,” Shapiro added. “The entrepreneurial community lamented the lack of investment and support for innovation in Pennsylvania,” she said. Shapiro claimed Philadelphia lags behind other large metropolitan areas in venture capital investment. “We can’t let Pennsylvania get further behind. By passing HB 631, you are making a statement that Pennsylvania is open for business and welcomes technological innovation that improves people’s lives.”

Shapiro stated that the legislature needs to pass the legislation now. “lf the General Assembly does not pass scooter- enabling legislation by the summer recess, we will not have scooters in Pennsylvania for another full year at the earliest,

15 which will put us even further behind our peers.” Shapiro continued, “All HB 631 does is authorize scooters as a legal mode of transportation under the motor vehicle code, and apply the robust laws that govern bikes and electric bikes to this similar vehicle type.”

“By passing HB 631, you will take a simple action to increase mobility options, enhance economic development, and make Pennsylvania more attractive to businesses and people who want to settle here, all at no cost to the taxpayer,” Shapiro stated.

Chairman Hennessey said he saw photos of an e-scooter share in Paris where people just left a pile of them on a sidewalk. He questioned if people are penalized for leaving an e-scooter at a random location. Shapiro said consumers do not want to return their e-scooter back to an inconvenient, set location so they leave them at the location they were traveling to. “People will illegally park cars but we don’t ban cars because of that. It is on us to make sure the scooter fleet is well maintained. If it is not well maintained in all the cities we serve we can be thrown out of that city,” she stated. Shapiro explained that “nuisance lines” are set up in the cities where they operate where citizens can report a pile up of scooters or any other issue that may come up. “In just Philadelphia we would be creating more than 30 jobs and that would be their job,” she stated. Kopko said issues regarding the e-scooters are generally alleviated in a matter of hours and noted that a study found that 95 percent of e-scooters are parked correctly.

Chairman Hennessey questioned how the batteries are charged on the scooters if they are dockless. Shapiro explained that the company hires “juicers” where any person can charge the scooter overnight and earn up to $5 per scooter per night.

Chairman Carroll asked what currently happens if an e-scooter operator hits a pedestrian and breaks their arm. Shapiro said the liability is in on the renter of the e-scooter.

Chairman Carroll questioned if the panel has an opinion on the recently passed Utah law. Kopko explained that Bird Rides already was in compliance with the law because all cities require that level of insurance. Chairman Carroll asked if there would be any objection to including that in Pennsylvania law. Shapiro said she has not talked to Lime’s insurance team regarding the issue.

Chairman Carroll asked how many people would be employed in Philadelphia if the legislation would pass. Shapiro said between 20 and 30 full time positions would be created and those jobs would include mechanics, operations management positions, and people who pick up and relocate the e-scooters.

Chairman Carroll questioned what consumer protections exist for the data. Kopko said Bird Rides has licensing agreements with privacy language included in them and noted that Los Angeles established a “mobility data specification” for which they request data to and from the e-scooter operator. “There are standards evolving at the city level but those are the things that we would have to add into when we talk about insurance and then we would have to comprehensively regulating a whole new industry instead of letting cities take the first stab at it,” he stated.

Geoffrey Knight, planning director for the City of Harrisburg, offered remarks on behalf of the city’s Planning Bureau. Knight said the legislation “is an important step in acknowledging, authorizing and regulating e-scooter devices within Pennsylvania, thereby affirming Pennsylvania as a state that embraces innovation, sustainability, and active transportation.”

Knight said that in furtherance of allowing communities to diversify their transportation mode splits, many of the proposals in the legislation should in fact be expanded to include e-bikes, or at least pedal assist e-bikes. He offered specific feedback on various sections of the bill but said overall it would be “a positive step in advancing active transportation modes in the state of Pennsylvania.”

Wayne Martin, Harrisburg City Engineer, said the city believes e-scooters have the potential to advance its transportation goals. Chief among them, he said, is an effort to improve pedestrian safety through the adoption of the Vision Zero Action Plan. Martin remarked that during the development of the Year 1 plan it became apparent speed management is a critical

16 component to improving safety. He said e-scooters “have the potential to move people and shift reliance on automobiles to an efficient, potentially less-polluting travel option.”

Continuing, Martin said e-scooters support a data-driven approach to improve transportation, and vendors could potentially offer funding to build out bikeway networks. He also emphasized the need to grant local governments like Harrisburg the authority to rehabilitate transportation networks to safely accommodate e-scooters and other modes of transport as stipulated in HB 792.

Scott Petri, executive director, Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), said PPA does not regulate sidewalks or bicycle paths but emphasized that he would not allow e-scooters on sidewalks. He recommended the committee examine the Remix Policy Survey and said it includes best practices for fees, data sharing, enforcement, parking and infrastructure. “State law should set minimum standards and best practices and you would allow then municipalities to require additional requirements as they deem appropriate,” he stated.

Daniel Mulvenna offered testimony on behalf of the PPA and expanded on those made by chairman Petri. Mulvenna said Philadelphia is faced with growing traffic congestion, like many other cities, but unlike most, Philadelphia has small roadways and sidewalks owing to the historic age of its road network.

Despite the mostly positive feedback in other cities where e-scooters have been introduced, Mulvenna said PPA is “neutral at best” on the issue, and only if the enabling law gives local municipalities the discretion they deem appropriate. He said the PPA is concerned with the impact to public transportation, with SEPTA being a key transportation partner for the region. Mulvenna said PPA recommends an independent study to determine whether there would be a negative impact on ridership.

Mulvenna also emphasized the importance of good data acquisition in making determinations regarding things like enforcement, fleet sizes, and usage. He cited information available to the committee in guiding its work regarding micro- mobility, including the work by data company Remix.

Derek Whitesel, executive director of Harrisburg Young Professionals, offered support for the legalization of electric low- speed scooters in Pennsylvania, and Harrisburg specifically.

Whitesel said scooter are an effective “first and last mile” option for the commuting public, as well as short-distance travel alternatives. He noted the city’s bike share program has been extremely successful in its two years of operation, and scooters “would give the community another transportation alternative in our community toolbox.”

Written testimony was offered by the following: Portland Bureau of Transportation City of Pittsburgh Micromobility Pennsylvania AAA Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority City of Philadelphia Neurtron Holdings Clean Air Council

17 Bullet.in.Points

DEP: ALTERNATIVE FUELS INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM; GRANT OPPORTUNITY The Department of Environmental Protection’s Energy Programs Office announced an opportunity to apply for grants under the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program. Program guidelines and application instructions are available on the Department’s web site at http://www.dep.pa.gov (select ‘’Citizens,’’ then ‘’Grants, Loans and Rebates,’’ then ‘’Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant’’). Applications will be accepted online through the Department of Community and Economic Development eGrants system at http://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/.

PENNDOT: MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING The Medical Advisory Board will meet on Friday, May 3, 2019. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Riverfront Office Center, Transportation University, 1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg. Members of the public interested in addressing the Board with a concern relating to medical regulations must contact Angelia Gillis at (717) 783-4534 by Friday, April 26, 2019.

Cosponsor Memos

HCO1806 Schmitt, Lou (F)(R) Clarifies municipalities do not need to bid traffic signal maintenance and repair contracts when using Liquid Fuels funds and increases the allowable annual expenditure for the purchase of computers and software to $1,500. HCO1807 Schmitt, Lou (F)(R) Makes it an offense to impede the flow of traffic in the left lane of a limited access highway. HCO1820 Metzgar, Carl(R) Designates a bridge on the portion of State Route 96 over Little Wills Creek as the Staff Sgt. Roger (Rod) Guy Holler Memorial Bridge. HCO1833 Irvin, Rich(R) Designates a portion of Route 747 over the Juniata River in Mount Union Borough, in Huntingdon County, as the Captain Joseph S. Giacobello Memorial Bridge. HCO1851 Gabler, Matt(R) Repeals outdated portions of the Private Road Law. HCO1858 Gleim, Barbara (F)(R) Repeals the Encourage the Planting of Trees Act.

Bill Actions

HB 30 Petrarca, Joseph(D) (PN 365) Amends Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries), in anatomical gifts, further providing for the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund contributions. The bill establishes that an applicant for a two-year vehicle registration may make a contribution of $6 to the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund on the Department of Transportation's publicly accessible Internet website. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 03-27-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-15-19 H Set on the House Calendar 04-15-19 Laid out for discussion 2:28pm 04-15-19 Third consideration 2:28pm 04-15-19 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:198/N: 0)

18 HB 57 Fritz, Jonathan(R) (PN 1452) 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) Bill History: 04-16-19 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House State Government 04-16-19 H Reported as amended House State Government 04-16-19 H First consideration 04-16-19 H Laid on the table 04-29-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 374 Everett, Garth(R) (PN 347) Amends Titles 27 (Environmental Resources) and 75 (Vehicles), in Title 27, adding a chapter providing for Keystone Tree Fund; and, in Title 75 in registration of vehicles, providing for contributions to the Keystone Tree Fund. The department may expend money from the fund for the purposes and in the allocations as follows: (1) A tree vitalize program, 40%; (2) A riparian forest buffer grant program, 60%. The department shall annually report to the House and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy committees regarding the fund revenues and expenditures in the prior fiscal year and describing the activities, programs and projects which received money from the fund. Contributions to the fund can be made via driver's license renewal or vehicle registration renewal. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 02-20-19 H Removed from the table 04-16-19 H Set on the House Calendar 04-16-19 H Laid on the table 04-16-19 H Removed from the table 04-29-19 H Set on the House Calendar HB 592 Irvin, Rich(R) (PN 1375) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 305 over Shaver's Creek in Barree Township, Huntingdon County, as the Private Harold E. "Jim" Knode Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. (Prior Printer Number: 638) Bill History: 04-17-19 H Reported as committed from House Appropriations 04-17-19 H Set on the House Calendar 04-17-19 Laid out for discussion 1:50pm 04-17-19 Third consideration 1:50pm 04-17-19 H Final Passage (Vote: Y:191/N: 0)

19 HB 631 Rothman, Greg(R) (PN 626) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, adding that "motor vehicle" includes an electric low-speed scooter; in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for vehicles not requiring certificate of title; in registration of vehicles, further providing for vehicles exempt from registration; in rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibitions in specified places; in special vehicles and pedestrians, providing for electric low-speed scooters; and, in powers of Department of Transportation and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of Department of Transportation and local authorities. Every person operating an electric low-speed scooter shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the operator of a pedalcycle. No person under the age sufficient to operate an automobile shall operate an electric low-speed scooter and no person shall operate an electric low-speed scooter at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour. Every electric low-speed scooter when operated between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with lights and reflectors. Effective immediately. Bill History: 02-26-19 H Filed 02-28-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation 04-18-19 H Hearing set for 10:00 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building, House Transportation -- House Transportation HB 634 Keller, Mark(R) (PN 629) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for obedience to authorized persons directing traffic and providing for drivers in organized motorcycle processions; in rules of the road in general, further providing for following too closely; in inspection of vehicles, further providing for inspection by police or Commonwealth personnel; and, in enforcement, further providing for investigation by police officers. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-17-19 Laid out for discussion 1:35pm 04-17-19 H 1 Floor amendment(s) adopted 04-17-19 Second consideration 1:38pm 04-17-19 H Over in House 04-17-19 H Rereferred to House Appropriations HB 757 Dush, Cris(R) (PN 807) Act designating a bridge on that portion of Pennsylvania Route 899 over the Clarion River connecting Barnett Township, Jefferson County, and Barnett Township, Forest County, as the PFC Patrick T. Cassatt Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 04-16-19 H Removed from the table 04-17-19 H Set on the House Calendar 04-17-19 Second consideration 1:34pm 04-17-19 H Rereferred to House Appropriations

20 HB 758 Dush, Cris(R) (PN 808) Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 4018 over the Little Mahoning Creek, South Mahoning Township, Indiana County, as the SP4 Franklin Delano Meyer Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar 04-16-19 H Removed from the table 04-17-19 H Set on the House Calendar 04-17-19 Second consideration 1:38pm 04-17-19 H Rereferred to House Appropriations HB 915 Causer, Martin(R) (PN 1036) 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. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-17-19 H Voted favorably from committee as amended House Agriculture and Rural Affairs 04-17-19 H Reported as amended House Agriculture and Rural Affairs 04-17-19 H First consideration 04-17-19 H Laid on the table 04-29-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar HB 1166 Jozwiak, Barry(R) (PN 1344) Amends the act entitled "A further supplement to an act, entitled' An act to establish a board of wardens for the Port of Philadelphia, and for the regulation of pilots and pilotage, and for other purposes,' approved March twenty-ninth, one thousand eight hundred and three, and for regulating the rates of pilotage and number of pilots," further providing for rates of pilotage and computation, for pilotage fees and unit charge and for charges for services. The bill increases various pilotage fees and charges. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 H Voted favorably from committee on House Commerce 04-16-19 H Reported as committed from House Commerce 04-16-19 H First consideration 04-16-19 H Laid on the table 04-29-19 H Set on the Tabled Calendar

21 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: 04-11-19 H Filed 04-15-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Commerce HB 1237 Causer, Martin(R) (PN 1471) Act designating a bridge in McKean County as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 H Filed 04-17-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation HB 1238 Masser, Kurt(R) (PN 1472) Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources), in waste transportation safety, amending the definition of "motor carrier vehicle". Defines the term as a truck, truck tractor or combination having a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, registered gross weight, registered combination weight or actual gross weight of 4,000 pounds or more. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 H Filed 04-17-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation HB 1240 Masser, Kurt(R) (PN 1474) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in equipment standards, further providing for unlawful activities by providing for doors. A vehicle shall be equipped with doors of a type used as original equipment. The doors shall open and close securely unless the vehicle has been manufactured or modified to the extent that there is no roof or side. If a vehicle is designed by the manufacturer with removable doors for off-road use, the vehicle may be operated with doors removed except that the vehicle may not be (1) operated on any roadway having a speed limit of more than 55 mph or on any limited access highway; or (2) driving at any speed if a child under 18 is a passenger. Effective in 180 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 H Filed 04-17-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

22 HB 1268 Masser, Kurt(R) (PN 1476) Amend Title 75 (Vehicles), in fees, exempting persons age 65 and older from driver's license and learner's permit fees; and abrogating a regulation. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 H Filed 04-17-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation HB 1275 Masser, Kurt(R) (PN 1483) Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and Title 75 (Vehicles), in budget and finance, further providing for municipal corporation portion of fines and establishing the Municipal Law Enforcement Accreditation Fund; in rules of the road in general, to authorize use of radar as a speed timing device by full-time municipal police officers who have completed an approved training course; and in powers of department and local authorizes, indicating that a local ordinance must be adopted for use of radar by municipal police. Effective in 120 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 H Filed 04-17-19 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation HB 1281 Kail, Joshua (F)(R) Act designating the bridge identified as Bridge Key 3522 on that portion of Interstate 376 over the Ohio River in Vanport Township, Beaver County, as the Richard L. Shaw Memorial Bridge. Bill History: 04-17-19 H Filed HB 1298 Irvin, Rich(R) Act designating the bridge, identified as Bridge Key 18676, on that portion of PA Route 747 over the Juniata River in Mount Union Borough, as the Captain Joseph S. Giacobello Memorial Bridge. Bill History: 04-18-19 H Filed HB 1302 Farry, Frank(R) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in serious traffic offenses, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence. Bill History: 04-18-19 H Filed HB 1303 Farry, Frank(R) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for subsequent convictions of certain offenses. Bill History: 04-18-19 H Filed SB 16 Blake, John(D) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in licensing of drivers, providing for automatic suspension and additional penalties. Bill History: 04-18-19 S Filed 04-18-19 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation SB 550 Schwank, Judy(D) (PN 614) Act designating the first block of West Main Street, State Route 1010, in Fleetwood Borough, Berks County, as the Alex J. Szoke Highway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 04-16-19 S Filed 04-16-19 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

23 SB 565 Farnese, Lawrence(D) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in rules of the road in general, further providing for additional parking regulations. Bill History: 04-18-19 S Filed 04-18-19 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Upcoming Events

PA Public Utility Commission April 22, 2019 - 1:00 p.m., Hearing Room 1, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Smart Hearing on $71 Million UGI Natural Gas Rate Increase Request. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

April 22, 2019 - 6:00 p.m., Hearing Room 1, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Smart Hearing on $71 Million UGI Natural Gas Rate Increase Request. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

PA Public Utility Commission April 23, 2019 - 6:00 p.m., Richland Township Fireman’s Banquet Hall, 1321 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown Public Input Hearing on Rate Increase Request by Peoples Natural Gas. For additional information: (717) 783-6152

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) Board April 23, 2019 - 2:00 p.m., Montgomery County Human Services Center, Main Floor, 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown Operating Budget Public Hearing. For additional information: (215) 580-7800

April 23, 2019 - 6:00 p.m., Montgomery County Human Services Center, Main Floor, 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown Operating Budget Public Hearing. For additional information: (215) 580-7800

PA Public Utility Commission April 24, 2019 - 6:00 p.m., Community College of Allegheny County, 595 Beatty Rd, Monroeville Public Input Hearing on Rate Increase Request by Peoples Natural Gas. For additional information: (717) 783-6152

PA Public Utility Commission April 25, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Public Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

House Local Government April 29, 2019 - Off the Floor, Room B31, Main Capitol To consider: HB 1074 Turzai, Mike Amends Title 53 re Airport Authority Boards

Press Conference April 30, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., East Wing Rotunda, Capitol, Harrisburg Distracted Driving Awareness Month (unconfirmed)

Department of Transportation May 3, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., 1101 S. Front Street, Room 409, Harrisburg Medical Advisory Board Meeting. For additional information: (717) 705-7598

PA Turnpike Commission May 7, 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

24 PA Public Utility Commission May 9, 2019 - 10:00 a.m., Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Public Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

House Human Services and House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee May 15, 2019 - 9:00 a.m., Room 60, East Wing Joint Public Hearing to learn about the challenges of traveling for people who have a disability

In the News

04-18-2019 Insurance Commissioner, Students Set Smart Phones to Reject Texts, Emails... (Press Release)

04-18-2019 Governor Wolf Touts How Restore PA Can Help with Rural Infrastructure Needs (Press Release)

04-18-2019 PA Turnpike checking whether it can borrow money to pay transit debt If it can get a favorable interest rate on a possible $800 million bond issue, the Pennsylvania Turnpike will borrow money in the next few weeks to pay off its debt to public transit agencies. The agency has been unable to make quarterly payments of $112.5 million to... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-18-2019 PennDOT’s Speed Enforcement Cameras To Roll Out Later This Year With Goal To Protect Workers, Drivers PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — PennDOT officials say a speed enforcement program launching later this year is about saving lives, not issuing speeding tickets. Construction zones are hard to miss in Pittsburgh. The bright orange cones, flashing lights and a lowered speed limit are meant to slow drivers down,... - KDKA

04-18-2019 County talks technology, highways at policy roundtable The deployment of rural broadband was one of the focuses of discussion at a roundtable event held by the House Majority Policy Committee at the Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro, Tioga County, said Reps. Donna Oberlander and Clint Owlett. The roundtable discussion featured nearly 50 educators, elected officials,... - Wellsboro Tioga Publishing

04-18-2019 Leesport considers how to handle curbing and sidewalk replacement Leesport Borough Council on Wednesday discussed curbing and sidewalk replacement on Main and Wall streets. Solicitor Paul Essig will research an ordinance regarding owners' responsibilities for sidewalks and curbs. PennDOT will resurface Wall and Main streets next year, and council wants... - Reading Eagle

04-18-2019 Berks police officers train as truck enforcement inspectors Exeter Township police will host Motor Carrier Truck Enforcement Detail training Thursday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the department headquarters, 4975 DeMoss Road. Organized in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police Motor Carrier Enforcement unit, the event comes on the heels of recent training by the... - Reading Eagle

04-18-2019 Amtran eyes shared-ride service to State College At the suggestion of Amtran board member Bruce Kelley, Amtran resolved Wednesday to ask the Centre Area Transportation­ Authority whether it’s interested in a mutual effort to enhance commuting opportunities between Altoona and State College. CATA already operates CATA Commute, which includes a van pool program in... - Altoona Mirror

25 04-18-2019 Upper Macungie planners move forward on Jaindl warehouse proposal Developer David Jaindl has moved closer to merging two lots in Upper Macungie Township for warehouse use. Township planners Wednesday recommended approval of JW Development Partners LLC’s proposed lot consolidation at 749 Route 100 in order to build a 160,000 square foot warehouse on 19.7 acres in the township’s LI/ Light... - Allentown Morning Call

04-18-2019 Our view: Continuity after chaos at EMTA Things have been relatively quiet lately at the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, which given the agency’s recent history is probably a good thing. Things have been relatively quiet lately at the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, which given the agency’s recent history is probably a good... - Erie Times-News

04-18-2019 Propane truck overturns into front yard off Reading Township road Police are investigating a traffic accident after a propane truck overturned on a Reading Township road Wednesday morning. The crash happened around 9 a.m. in the 2200 block of East Berlin Road, according to dispatch reports. The driver was westbound on East Berlin Road when he crossed into the... - Hanover Evening Sun

04-18-2019 Cumberland County farmer pleads for safe driving as planting season begins When Ian Stamy’s farm vehicle slowed, the impatient driver behind him wasn’t going to let an opportunity to pass slip away. Unfortunately for that driver, Stamy wasn’t stopping. He was turning left. Stamy clipped the passing vehicle, sending it into an embankment. In the... - Carlisle Sentinel

04-18-2019 Parking Authority changes locations Williamsport Parking Authority has a new office at 270 W. Third St. in an art deco style building that serves as an homage to a gas station and department store. The authority held its initial meeting Wednesday at the new office and will no longer be in its Pine Street location, according to Dr. Anthony Cipolla,... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

04-18-2019 Everett talks drugs, guns at town hall meeting State Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy said he rejects proposals to legalize recreational marijuana and favors property tax reform. Those issues were among a number of topics, which also touched on highway trash pickup and firearms, the lawmaker addressed during a telephone town... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

04-18-2019 Bridge rehabilitation applications due Friday, April 26, is the deadline for applications for bridge rehabilitation and replacement funding under pending legislation that would authorize additional funds, said state Rep. Cris Dush, R-Brookville. Dush said he was urging municipal officials in his 66th District, as well... - Indiana Gazette

04-18-2019 Rail cars carrying trash derail in Berks County WYOMISSING — A freight train pulling rail cars loaded with trash derailed Tuesday night, dumping garbage along the tracks in this Berks County community. Heavy construction equipment was brought to the site Wednesday to help move debris off the tracks and clear up the trash but the work could last a few... - Pottstown Mercury

26 04-18-2019 Cops Draw Blood to Catch Impaired Drivers It was about 6:30 on a Friday night in January when Phoenix Police Det. Kemp Layden pulled over a white Jeep Cherokee that was speeding and weaving in and out of its lane. The 47-year-old driver spoke slowly, his eyes were red and watery, and his pupils were dilated. The inside of the Jeep reeked of marijuana, and the... - Stateline.org

04-18-2019 Medicaid transportation program changes worry rural Pennsylvania officials Lawmakers and advocates say a last-minute addition to a state budget-related bill last year could harm Pennsylvanians who depend on an assistance program for transportation to medical appointments, as well as seniors and people with disabilities. Federal law requires states to provide non-emergency medical transportation... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-18-2019 It's a Pittsburgher's worst nightmare: Two hours stuck -- mid-hill -- on the Duquesne Incline The Duquesne Incline became stuck Thursday afternoon for more than two hours in the middle of Mount Washington’s hillside with about 30 people trapped inside. Rodney Goetz, one of the incline’s operators, said the incline cars going in both directions stopped suddenly about 2:30 p.m. because of a... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-18-2019 Flood payment leaves Port Authority $2 million short Port Authority has recovered $2.75 million from flood damage to stations and a light rail vehicle along the Blue Line Library and related costs through insurance. But it may never recover another $2 million in damages to about three miles of track beds between the Lytle and Library stations caused by heavy rain... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-18-2019 People stuck on Duquesne Incline due to mechanical issues People were stuck on the Duquesne Incline’s cars for more than an hour Thursday afternoon because of a mechanical issue on the 142-year-old Pittsburgh landmark that was expected to be fixed soon, officials said. The problem was resolved and people were able to exit the cars shortly... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-17-2019 Sen. Yaw Addresses Severance Tax, Other Legislative Issues During UpStream... (Press Release)

04-17-2019 Gladys Brown Dutrieuille Reappointed as PUC Chairman (Press Release)

04-17-2019 Ag Committee OKs Bill to Aid Dairy Farmers, Milk Haulers, Causer Says (Press Release)

04-17-2019 Week dedicated to rural road safety Pennsylvania has more rural roads than any other state in the U.S., and as the spring season moves forward, motorists will be sharing the roadways with farm equipment. With that in mind, this week has been designated as Rural Roads Safety Week to educate the public about the importance of learning how to effectively... - Huntingdon Daily News

04-17-2019 Harrisburg’s council hears free parking success stories, but stops short of agreeing to pay more for it The glowing reviews are in for Harrisburg’s free parking after 5 o’clock program. Downtown businesses are seeing more patrons, more families and more revenue, but those who are overseeing the city’s parking system say they want more money to keep it going. Included in a resolution that would extend the program, Trimont Real Estate... - Penn Live, Patriot-News 27 04-17-2019 State Sen. Vogel seeking delay in emissions equipment upgrade mandate A PennDOT directive to auto shops that do emissions testing to have new equipment by this fall has drawn the attention of state Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. after businesses expressed concerns. PennDOT implemented the rule for new emissions inspection stations on March... - Beaver County Times

04-17-2019 Hyndman derailment spurs suit against CSX A lawsuit brought in the Bedford County Court of Common pleas by a Hyndman family, claiming damages for injuries suffered during a 2017 train derailment, has been moved by the CSX railroad to the U.S. District Court in Johnstown. The family includes Robert Scaife; his wife, Diane Scaife; and Robert... - Altoona Mirror

04-17-2019 Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority close to securing mortgage for garage purchase KINGSTON — Skylar Burkhardt needed to be lifted into the special seat, a harness belted around her torso, straps wrapped around her ankles and toes, her expression an uncertain enigma — until the trike moved. As her legs pedaled her grin began, widening enough to light up the county.... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

04-17-2019 Farmers ask for driver patience on rural roads SALEMVILLE — Spring means the busy work of crop farming is underway, as producers across the county are on the move, tilling and planting to start the annual work of husbandry that ends with the fall harvest. Bedford County Farm Bureau is hoping motorists will be patient and... - Bedford Gazette

04-17-2019 Gov. Tom Wolf removes Port Authority board member Robert Kania After a complaint was filed against a political group with ties to Port Authority of Allegheny County board member Robert Kania, Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that Kania has been removed from the board. Wolf spokesperson J.J. Abbott said in a statement that the governor is appointing Jessica... - Pittsburgh City Paper

04-17-2019 Jefferson County Farm Bureau encourages road safety The Jefferson County Farm Bureau held a Rural Road Safety Day at Mike’s Supermarket in Brookville with assistance from the Jefferson County commissioners. Pictured (left side) are Jefferson County Commissioner Jeff Pisarcik; Dan Park, president, Jefferson County Farm Bureau; Herb Bullers,... - Punxsutawney Spirit

04-17-2019 Congestion Pricing Is Coming to New York. New Jersey Wants Revenge. New York and New Jersey are neighbors, but they have not always treated each other in a neighborly way. Their proximity and pride have led to plenty of fights — over who can lay claim to Ellis Island (both actually), which state has the best pizza (still raging) and the proper way... - New York Times

04-17-2019 Uber says it fixed electric bikes that had similar problems to bikes yftL recalled Uber acknowledged Monday that it had modified some of its electric bikes recently after the company encountered a braking problem similar to the one that prompted rival Lyft to recall its own electric bikes in several cities over the weekend. Uber, which operates a popular electric-bike-share service known as JUMP,... - Washington Post

04-17-2019 Justice meeting on roads veers into The Greenbrier controversies In his first news conference in Charleston in more than a month, Gov. Jim Justice donned a Highways worker’s safety vest to announce that West Virginia will spend an additional $80 million on secondary road maintenance through June 30. “We’ve got good stuff to report; we’re moving,” Justice... - Charleston Gazette-Mail

28 04-17-2019 Philadelphia's new version of street sweeping is...dusty Philadelphia ended its decade-long run as the only big city in the country without a street sweeping program on Tuesday with the launch of a pilot program being deployed in six neighborhoods. But instead of adopting the method that’s popular across the country,... - Philadelphia Billy Penn

04-17-2019 Pa. Turnpike to seek feedback on possible resumption of transit borrowing HARRISBURG, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will seek feedback from the bond market as it considers resuming borrowing for mass transit, which was previously suspended due to a lawsuit over toll hikes. The Pennsylvania Turnpike generates $450 million a year for mass... - KYW News Radio 1060

04-17-2019 Pittsburgh losing two flights — at least temporarily — as Boeing 737 woes continue The grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 8 after two deadly crashes in five months will cost Pittsburgh International Airport its flights to two destinations in June, including one to Los Angeles. Southwest Airlines will be suspending its flight from Pittsburgh to Los... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-17-2019 Pittsburgh flights cut as Southwest grapples with Boeing 737 issues Nonstop Southwest flights from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles International Airport and Cancun will be suspended and service to Las Vegas will be reduced in June, Pittsburgh International Airport announced this week. It’s part of the fallout from the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX 8,... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-17-2019 Pittsburgh increases street-paving budget to $20 million for 2019 Pittsburgh plans to repave about 75 miles of city streets this year, a substantial increase over previous years under a $20 million budget that is “the most budgeted for street upgrades in decades,” according to a news release Wednesday. Timothy McNulty, spokesman for Mayor Bill Peduto, said in an interview that... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-17-2019 PA Turnpike checking whether it can borrow money to pay transit debt Two weeks after it won a lawsuit filed by a trucking group that had prevented it from borrowing money, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is feeling out the bond market for a possible $800 million issue to pay transit agencies across the state. A federal judge in Harrisburg dismissed a lawsuit April 5 that had been... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-17-2019 Pittsburgh flights cut as Southwest grapples with Boeing 737 issues Nonstop Southwest flights from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles International Airport and Cancun will be suspended and service to Las Vegas will be reduced in June, Pittsburgh International Airport announced this week. It’s part of the fallout from the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX 8,... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-16-2019 PA Farm Bureau Teams Up with PennDOT, State Police and Agriculture Department... (Press Release)

04-16-2019 Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) & PATCO April 17, 2019 Meeting Agenda (Press Release)

29 04-16-2019 Monongahela Incline to remain out of service until May Port Authority will do additional work while the Monongahela Incline is closed for flooding repairs so the facility isn’t out of service again later this year. The agency said Monday that flood repairs work should end this week when contractors finish relocating electrical service and replace floor tiles.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-16-2019 Deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania draws near The final day to register to vote to participate in Pennsylvania's May 21 primary election is quickly approaching. Next Monday is the registration deadline, and voters have to be registered in one of the major parties to be able to help pick nominees. Pennsylvania... - Reading Eagle

04-16-2019 Imlertown Road Bridge to be named after Bedford serviceman BEDFORD — The Imlertown Road Bridge over Imlertown Run in Bedford Township will be dedicated in honor of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Eric Fisher Wood Jr. at 2:30 p.m. April 26, at the Pleasant Hill Bible Church, 2793 Briar Valley Road, said Rep. Jesse Topper, R-Bedford.... - Altoona Mirror

04-16-2019 Renovo denied grant for walking path RENOVO — As Renovo Borough faced an uphill battle convincing Delaware Avenue residents to allow a walking path near the front of their properties, it turns out that Renovo was not awarded a portion of the Multimodal Transportation Fund grant that would have paid for the path.... - Lock Haven Express

04-16-2019 Saxton plans improvement projects SAXTON —Saxton Borough council last week agreed to spend nearly $30,000 on several street improvements. Some of the improvements were approved near the end of 2018. Councilman and street committee Chairman Larry Miller told fellow council members Dennis Clawson, Tom Skipper, Adam Runk, John Hoffner, Phil Johnson... - Bedford Gazette

04-16-2019 Route 30 roadwork to begin Wednesday New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. is scheduled to begin work later this week on a Route 30 resurfacing project in Jenner and Quemahoning townships and Jennerstown and Stoystown boroughs, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Beginning Wednesday, the contractor will begin work under daylight... - Somerset Daily

04-16-2019 Safely pass farm vehicles, tractors during Rural Roads Safety Week National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 32 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 8 pm and midnight. Here are a few simple tips to help keep yourself safe while walking near traffic. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 32 percent of all... - State College Centre Daily Times

04-16-2019 Part of downtown Scranton parking garage crumbles SCRANTON — Part of a downtown parking garage’s second-floor facade crumbled onto Mulberry Street early Monday morning with the rest falling off about eight hours later. The 500 block of Mulberry Street, home to the city’s Fire Department headquarters, remained closed for much of the workday after the Adams Plaza... - Scranton Times

30 04-16-2019 Line workers called in from as far as Canada to restore electricity in Valley Hundreds of line workers, including some brought in from Canada, worked Monday to restore power across the region after more than 700 locations were damaged during a severe overnight storm. PPL Regional Affairs Director Tracie Witter said Monday it might take until... - Sunbury Daily Item

04-16-2019 Council awards summer paving project bids Ridgway Borough Council got off to a quick start on Monday evening by opening four bids on the planned summer paving projects. These bids combine the work of resurfacing Alpine Street, Pine Street and Mercer Street, along with the sewage treatment plant parking lot. Four... - Ridgway Record

04-16-2019 Proposed ticketing ordinance available for review The city’s proposed Quality of Life ticketing ordinance is available for public review as St. Marys City Council plans to take action on the ordinance during their May meeting. The ordinance is meant to streamline violations mostly related to maintenance of properties, littering, improper storage of vehicles, and... - Saint Marys Daily Press

04-16-2019 Roundtable discussion - Sayre Morning

04-16-2019 $1.75M bridge work project in Sandy Township begins DUBOIS — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that work to rehabilitate two bridges on state Route 219 in Clearfield County will begin this week. The bridges span Slab Run in Sandy Township near the on-ramps to Interstate 80 at the 97/ DuBois-Brockway exit.... - Clearfield Progress

04-16-2019 Drivers of state cars really shouldn’t give people the finger. But that’s exactly what happened. At least 3 times. When you’re behind the wheel of a car with state government license plates, you probably shouldn’t be blazing past the speed limit. Or weaving in and out of traffic like crazy. Or riding the tail of your fellow Jersey drivers. And giving someone the finger is a terrible idea.... - Trenton Times

04-16-2019 DeWine: Gas tax hike saved $255 million in I-70/I-71 improvements Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine credits the recently passed state fuel tax increase with providing nearly $255 million to bail out the next three phases of the Columbus Crossroads project to improve the I-70/I-71 interchange. Columbus-area residents, and those passing through, will benefit from less... - Columbus Dispatch

04-16-2019 U.S. Risks Roiling Oil Markets in Trying to Tighten Sanctions The Trump administration has reached a critical juncture in its efforts to tighten United States oil sanctions against Iran and Venezuela. By pressuring China and India to end or sharply reduce oil purchases from Iran and Venezuela, American officials are seeking to cut off a key... - New York Times

04-16-2019 He Has Driven for Uber Since 2012. He Makes About $40,000 a Year. Uber’s public stock offering next month will make a bunch of people remarkably rich. Peter Ashlock is not one of them, although he has toiled for the ride-hailing company almost since the beginning. Mr. Ashlock, who will be 71 next week, has racked up more than 25,000 trips... - New York Times

31 04-16-2019 After years of SEPTA asks, Google Maps adds transit lines in Philly The authority and the search engine giant are finally fully integrated. transitlayer-02 Screenshot / Google Maps At last, Philadelphia transportation rail lines are visible on Google Maps. Go ahead, try it out for yourself. Head over to Gmaps on your desktop or... - Philadelphia Billy Penn

04-16-2019 Battle flares over proposal to add state oversight to airport authority board Two Democratic leaders of the Pennsylvania Senate are ripping a proposal by state House Speaker Mike Turzai to give the Legislature and governor influence over the Allegheny County Airport Authority board. Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, and Democratic Caucus... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-16-2019 State will close beautiful but dangerous Glen Onoko Falls trail May 1 Making their way to Glen Onoko Falls, hikers enchanted by the scenery sometimes stop along the trail, stand at its edge with a rocky chasm behind them, and snap a selfie. Others traipse blithely along in flip-flops or ? one fire chief swears to it ? high heels.... - Allentown Morning Call

04-15-2019 CCAP Legislative Bulletin - Number 8, April 12, 2019 (Press Release)

04-15-2019 PennDOT Announces Statewide Innovations Challenge Winner (Press Release)

04-15-2019 PA Turnpike Commission Meeting Agenda for April 16, 2019 (Press Release)

04-15-2019 Governor Wolf Pushes Bold Infrastructure Proposal to Township Officials (Press Release)

04-15-2019 PA Farm Bureau Teams Up with PennDOT, State Police and Agriculture Department... (Press Release)

04-15-2019 Newport council at odds with planning commission Tensions between the Newport Borough Council and its planning commission bubbled up during the former’s April 2 meeting. Most of the disputes tended to be of a procedural nature. Melanie Schubert is currently unable to serve on the commission and Kayla Nailor is serving on a temporary basis, apparently without the full consent... - Penn Live, Patriot- News

04-15-2019 Can Pa. find fix for turnpike? HARRISBURG — In 2005, then Gov. Ed Rendell and his cohorts decided to, literally, tax Pennsylvania’s Turnpike Commission to subsidize mass transit mainly in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Fourteen-years later that decision has resulted in a fiscal crisis for the... - Bedford Gazette

04-15-2019 ‘Fix the damn roads,’ Luzerne County Councilman says Saying he was borrowing a phrase from the Michigan governor, Luzerne County Councilman Stephen A. Urban last week repeatedly called for Pennsylvania to “just fix the damn roads.” State Rep. Mike Carroll, D-Avoca, the minority chair of the state House Transportation Committee, said significant work has been completed, but the... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

32 04-15-2019 Goodman sponsors bill to name Route 924 bridge after Kleha SHENANDOAH — A borough native who spent much of his life in public service at the local, county and state levels will have a bridge named in his memory pending passage of a state bill. Edward M. “Eddie” Kleha died unexpectedly at age 66 on March 8, 2018, with many people he knew and worked with expressing shock and sorrow... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

04-15-2019 Increased sobriety checkpoints planned in York County through end of April Police will be holding sobriety checkpoints and roving DUI patrols across York County through the end of April, which is Alcohol Awareness Month nationwide, according to the Center for Traffic Safety. The Center for Traffic Safety is based in York County but also covers... - York Dispatch

04-15-2019 PennDOT details upcoming road, bridge projects Extensive improvements to Mitchell Road in Neshannock Township will soon be under way, according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials. About 15 PennDOT officials attended a meeting with local government officials Thursday to detail plans for local road and bridge projects this... - New Castle News

04-15-2019 PennDOT to study Route 58 safety GREENVILLE – PennDOT is inviting the public to kick the tires on its plan for improving Route 58 from Greenville to Mercer. Safety ideas will be the priority in creating a plan for the 14.7-mile stretch of road, said Matt Stewart, senior planner for the Mercer County... - Sharon Herald

04-15-2019 Upper Merion Township and King of Prussia District awarded $421,699 for First Avenue Linear Park UPPER MERION — It's nearly two years since a small sampling of First Avenue Linear Park was first unveiled. The project that will transform a stretch of sidewalks and grass that is much longer than it is wide and is billed as a one-of-a kind recreational amenity for King of Prussia workers, turning commercial lawns into a... - Norristown Times Herald

04-15-2019 Trump says Boeing should fix, then re-brand Max jets WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is offering some unsolicited advice to Boeing, manufacturer of the troubled 737 Max jet... - AP

04-15-2019 Border closure could have adverse effects on WV automotive industry As President Donald Trump continues to consider closing the United States’ border with Mexico, West Virginia business owners and industry advocates worry about the effect it could have on the state’s automotive sector. Trump tweeted in late March he was considering a closure. On Friday, The... - Charleston Gazette-Mail

04-15-2019 Let Undocumented Immigrants Drive As long as Washington remains unable to deliver comprehensive immigration reform, states will be left to decide how to deal with the millions of undocumented immigrants who are a part of their communities and the work force. Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York and the now Democratic-led State Legislature... - New York Times

04-15-2019 Costs for Boeing Start to Pile Up as 737 Max Remains Grounded In the 22 months that Boeing’s 737 Max flew commercially before it was grounded, the jet became the company’s flagship as well as an integral part of the global aviation system, and the American economy. Airlines around the world sped the plane into service, eager to capitalize... - New York Times

33 04-15-2019 Despite bungled debut of ‘motor voter’ law, it’s delivering new voters as promised The rollout of California’s promising “motor voter” program a year ago was a disaster in many ways. Just months after the system started automatically registering people to vote when they came to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get driver’s licenses, the problems became apparent. Thousands of people were registered... - Los Angeles Times

04-15-2019 Trump tweets he would ‘FIX’ and ‘REBRAND’ Boeing 737 Max President Trump began Monday morning on Twitter by offering a lesson in Branding 101. The test case: “If I were Boeing.” Just weeks ago, as Boeing came under intense scrutiny for the safety of its 737 Max 8 planes, Trump asserted: “Airplanes are becoming far too... - Washington Post

04-15-2019 Must central Pa. township pay $1.75M to the owner of a truck stop? Should West Hanover Township have to pay $1.75 million to the owner of a truck stop that lost come land to a Linglestown Road improvement project? A Dauphin County jury said “Yes” after a trial late last year. County Judge Andrew H. Dowling said, “No,” and overturned the... - Penn Live, Patriot-News

04-15-2019 Pittsburgh Public may eliminate some school bus routes citing driver shortage Citing a need to be more efficient amid a worsening shortage of school bus drivers, Pittsburgh Public Schools is considering a number of changes to some students’ transportation that has parents concerned about their safety. Those moves include transporting some middle school students via Port... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-15-2019 National survey shows support for stronger drunken driving, speed laws Safety experts know what works to hold down traffic deaths: wearing seat belts, following the speed limit, avoiding drunken and distracted driving, road features like roundabouts and rumble strips. The challenge has been getting motorists to buy into those items.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-15-2019 Original midfield terminal architect: Airport's $1.1 billion modernization 'doesn't make sense' Original midfield terminal architect: Airport's $1.1 billion modernization 'doesn't make sense' The architect behind the midfield terminal is urging Pittsburgh International Airport leadership to abandon a $1.1 billion modernization plan, arguing that the project is unnecessary and could end up costing even... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

04-15-2019 Bedford tightens bus driver policies The Bedford Area School District is updating its transportation policies to tighten the oversight of its school vehicle and bus drivers. Assistant Superintendent Paul Ruhlman told the school board Monday night that the changes to the policies follow new state guidelines.... - Bedford Gazette

04-15-2019 Legalize e-scooters to expand transportation in Pennsylvania | Opinion When Henry Ford began his automobile business with the goal of mass-producing his black Model T, people scoffed at his vision of making “a car for the great multitude.” Such skeptics likely never would have imagined that, according to Worldometers, it is estimated that more than 1 billion passenger cars... - Philadelphia Inquirer

34 04-14-2019 Tesla couldn’t solve a Model 3 owners’ Bluetooth problem after 7 months. So it blamed Samsung phones. Jeff and Jennifer Salvage were the kind of customers whom companies dream about: early adopters who bragged about buying a new product. As “fairly extreme environmentalists,” the Salvages bought the Tesla Model S in 2013, just months after it hit the market. Jeff, a Drexel... - Philadelphia Inquirer

04-14-2019 Your view: PennDOT competition missed the true point The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s competition to get ideas for work zone safety is a noble concept, but the story got hijacked. Many problems I see in work zones are caused by the engineers designing them, and the workers in them. Pennsylvania cannot even post clear signs or... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

04-14-2019 Pat Howard: Roundabouts on the parkway? Imagine that When the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation first floated possible scenarios for re-engineering the Bayfront Parkway a few years back, among the many options presented was turning the parkway’s intersections along the waterfront into roundabouts. If PennDOT moves seriously in that direction, I thought, the angst will... - Erie Times-News

04-14-2019 PennDOT refines Erie Bayfront Parkway plans PennDOT refines Erie Bayfront Parkway plans - Erie Times-News

04-14-2019 FAA meets with pilot unions over Boeing 737 Max Federal Aviation regulators met Friday with pilot representatives from United Airlines, Southwest and American Airlines ? the three U.S. airlines whose fleets include the grounded 737 Max jets ? to discuss a software overhaul and a related set of training requirements designed to make the... - Washington Post

04-14-2019 Stratolaunch, plane dreamed up by Paul Allen, just became the world’s largest airplane ever to fly But with the billionaire’s death last year, the aircraft’s future is uncertain Stratolaunch, the massive aircraft dreamed up by the late Paul Allen, flew for the first time on Saturday, becoming the largest plane by wingspan ever to take to the skies. Larger than Howard Hughes’s Spruce Goose — which flew only once, in... - Washington Post

04-12-2019 Tioga County Talks Technology, Highway Infrastructure at Policy Roundtable... (Press Release)

04-12-2019 Department of Health, PennDOT Commemorate Donate Life Month (Press Release)

04-12-2019 Turnpike Debt, Pharmaceutical Costs, Financial Education Month on PA Newsmakers (Press Release)

04-12-2019 Rep. Brett Miller - Weekly Roundup for April 12, 2019 (Press Release)

35 04-12-2019 Wolf Announces Replacement of Port Authority Board Member Involved In Mysterious Political Committee Robert Kania, the Port Authority board member and Republican donor, is registering Americans Against Socialism with state election officials – four months after 90.5 WESA first reported on the group’s failure to disclose its activities, and within a day of a Washington D.C. activist... - WESA 90.5

04-12-2019 Maidencreek supervisors concerned about upcoming bridge closure The Maidencreek Township supervisors Thursday night continued to discuss the upcoming bridge closure on Route 73 between Spirit Court and Route 222, this time asking if it might be necessary to enforce temporary weight restrictions on Schaeffer Road to avoid traffic issues.... - Reading Eagle

04-12-2019 Shillington OKs participation in state's Buckle Up Project Shillington Borough Council on Thursday approved the municipality's participation in the "PA Buckle Up Project." The state-funded initiative aims to raise seat belt usage through increased enforcement, public awareness and education. The two-year agreement — effective through Sept. 30, 2020 —... - Reading Eagle

04-12-2019 PennDOT presents upcoming, ongoing projects EBENSBURG – Resurfacing and safety improvement work were the theme of two presentations Thursday by PennDOT officials in Cambria and Somerset counties. Both presentations, which were part of the department’s annual outreach meetings to inform the public about upcoming and ongoing projects, included... - Johnstown Tribune- Democrat

04-12-2019 Energy savings driving $1.7 million CamTran renovation EBENSBURG – Work is wrapping up on a $1.7 million renovation of CamTran’s rural operations center that should reduce costs and improve efficiency, CamTran officials say. An event to show off the work will be held after three new energy recovery units are installed on the facility roof, said Rose Lucey-Noll, Cambria... - Johnstown Tribune- Democrat

04-12-2019 New long-term parking permits planned in Gettsyburg Gettysburg is poised to launch a new long-term parking option. - Gettysburg Times

04-12-2019 Problem parents irk Mount Holly Springs residents over parking near school Deborah Halpin-Brophy is fed up with some of the parents of Mount Holly Springs Elementary School students. “Every year, the people are becoming worse and worse,” she told fellow borough council members Monday. “They are becoming more disrespectful. They curse you out. They flip you the bird. We are putting... - Carlisle Sentinel

04-12-2019 Wet 2018 dampens PennDOT's budget; projects announced for 2019 SIPESVILLE — Wet weather created a challenging winter for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. - Somerset Daily

04-12-2019 PennDOT employees give update on county projects Modifications on the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT), particularly those to avoid fly ash basins near Shamokin Dam, have extended the project completion date by two years and has added nearly $200 million more to the overall cost, according to PennDOT officials.... - Shamokin News-Item

36 04-12-2019 Highway projects menu is dramatic — and necessary Local state Department of Transportation officials have been presenting annual plans to the Sun-Gazette editorial board for more than a decade. We are pretty certain the docket has never included a battery of major work to match this year’s, with 2019 seeing reconstruction of West Fourth... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

04-12-2019 Route 120 road, bridge work on 2019 PennDOT list LOCK HAVEN — Two major projects in Clinton County are among the nearly 90 projects highlighted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in its list of work planned across District 2’s nine-county region during the 2019 construction season. Route 120 slide correction work in Grass Flats Run area of Clinton County... - Lock Haven Express

04-12-2019 Council approves street improvements Saxton Borough Council Monday evening agreed to spend nearly $30,000 on several street improvements. Some of the improvements were approved near the end of 2018. Councilman and street committee chairman Larry Miller told fellow council members Dennis Clawson, Tom Skipper, Adam Runk, John Hoffner, Phil Johnson... - Huntingdon Daily News

04-12-2019 Bill proposed to aid farmers Recently, state Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) announced they plan to introduce a piece of legislation to exempt milk haulers from weather-related commercial vehicle bans to prevent farmers from having to dump milk. - Huntingdon Daily News

04-12-2019 State House committee meets in Radnor for hearing on infrastructure RADNOR — You might not think much about infrastructure until you hit a pothole and damage your car. Or the stormwater sewer system is overwhelmed by a heavy downpour and your basement floods. Pennsylvania’s aging infrastructure was the topic of a state House... - Main Line Times

04-12-2019 OC council hears about several recreation matters Recreation, a broad topic ranging from city playgrounds to how public city parks can be used, was at the top of the agenda at Thursday's Oil City Council meeting. Council adopted a new ordinance establishing regulations for recreational facilities within the city. While lengthy in content, the ordinance carries... - Oil City Derrick

04-12-2019 What Exactly Is Uber’s ‘Core Platform Contribution Margin’? Uber, like many other tech companies, is using a few creative terms to describe its business. We’ll try to translate them for you. It’s a timeworn tradition for technology companies to resort to an array of jargon and technical terms to describe their operations —... - New York Times

04-12-2019 Uber, Losing $1.8 Billion a Year, Reveals I.P.O. Filing SAN FRANCISCO — Uber, the ride-hailing service that has upended transportation around the world, took a major step toward the largest initial public offering in years when it officially unveiled its finances in a prospectus on Thursday. The offering, which could value Uber at around $100 billion, is expected to... - New York Times

37 04-12-2019 Deepening regret over Pennsylvania's 2017 gambling expansion [opinion] THE ISSUE In Berks County’s Caernarvon Township, which borders Lancaster County, plans for Hollywood Casino Morgantown — a $110 million, 86,000-square- foot “mini-casino” that would open in late 2020 — were all but finalized last month, the Reading Eagle reported. But there... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

04-12-2019 Changes to Flight Software on 737 Max Escaped F.A.A. Scrutiny While designing its newest jet, Boeing decided to make two significant changes to an automated system now suspected of playing a role in two deadly crashes of the plane. Despite the added risks, the Federal Aviation Administration did not conduct another safety review of the anti-stall system, since the changes... - New York Times

04-12-2019 Irwin-area drivers are Pennsylvania’s worst, survey finds Irwin-area motorists have the dubious distinction of being No. 1 in Pennsylvania — as the state’s worst drivers. Drivers in the Irwin ZIP code were rated the worst drivers in any “city” in the state, based on data from QuoteWizard.com customers surveyed in 2018 about the number of accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs and... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

04-12-2019 Gas prices could be significantly higher in Allegheny County this summer If you commute to work in Allegheny County, you might want to fill up your gas tank before crossing the county line. That’s because gas prices are expected to be significantly higher in Allegheny County than in surrounding areas this summer. One expert said he expects gas prices to be up to 50... - Beaver County Times

38 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, Nina, Matt Hykes, Deborah, Kara, Cheryl, Aaron, Becky, Amyra, Nick, Jessica, Nicole, Robert, Emily, Andrew, Shaun, and Justin.

Copyright © 2019. All materials contained in Transportation Recap are protected by US copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast, or modified, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from Pennsylvania Legislative Services.

Provided by Pennsylvania Legislative Services 240 N. 3rd St. 6th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101 717.236.6984 phone 717.236.5097 fax www.mypls.com