IN THIS ISSUE Co-Sponsor Memos

February 3, 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

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

Co-Sponsor Memos

HCO1058 Costa, Dom Creates penalties for careless or reckless driving in the presence of solid waste collection vehicles and workers.

HCO1066 Masser, Kurt Waives the fee for state identification cards for any individual who received his or her initial identification card free of charge.

HCO1070 Masser, Kurt Permits owners of Jeeps that have factory removable doors to be able to drive on the highways of the Commonwealth with those doors removed.

HCO1085 Bullock, Donna Ends the practices of imprisoning or revoking the driver's licenses of those who are too poor to pay court fines, fees, and restitution.

HCO1091 Thomas, Curtis Eliminates the sunset of the Traffic Division, while bringing the complement of judges within that division to seven, with vacancies to be filled by election and maintains a traffic division in Philadelphia.

HCO1104 Murt, Thomas Establishes the Driver Distraction Awareness Fund.

HCO1128 Millard, David Designates a portion of State Route 93 in Columbia County as the Stuart Tank Memorial Highway.

HCO1145 Hahn, Marcia Creates a tiered penalty system for drivers who operate a vehicle while their license is suspended as a result of a DUI.

HCO1149 Day, Gary Authorizes the use of relief monies to obtain a CDL for volunteer firefighters.

HCO1151 Dowling, Matthew (F) Requires local government approval before a state road can be abandoned within its borders by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

HCO1153 Davis, Tina Provides that active duty military personnel be granted free use of the Pennsylvania Turnpike through the EZ Pass system.

HCO1161 Miller, Daniel Requires infants and chilren traveling in a truck, regardless of weight or classification, to be safely restrained in an approved car seat or seat belt.

HCO1170 Neilson, Ed Increases penalties for motorists who fail to stop for school buses with flashing red lights.

HCO1174 Schweyer, Peter Clarifies the enhanced penalty for aggravated assaults committed against employees of transportation companies.

SCO 562 Brooks, Michele Allows constituents to obtain handicap parking placards in their respective legislative district offices rather than waiting to receive them in the mail.

SCO 569 Browne, Patrick Applies good Samaritan civil immunity to school bus drivers who administer epinephrine auto-injectors ("epi-pens") to

students.

SCO 581 Dinniman, Andrew Prohibits the confinement of a dog or cat in an unattended motor vehicle in an manner that would endanger the health and well-being of the animal.

Bill Actions

HB 224 Simmons, Justin (PN 193) Amends the Public School Code, in school health services, authorizing school bus drivers to administer epinephrine auto-injectors, provided the driver adheres to established policies and has successfully completed a training program that shall be developed and implemented by the Department of Health. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-25-17 H Filed 01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Education 02-06-17 H Meeting set for 11:00 a.m., Room G50, Irvis Building, House Education -- House Education

HB 229 Sonney, Curt (PN 196) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) clarifying the definition of "recreational trailer" to mean a trailer designed or adapted to provide temporary living quarters for noncommercial recreational, camping or travel use or for the purposes of transporting animals or vehicles for noncommercial recreational use, such as a horse trailer, watercraft trailer or all-terrain vehicle trailer. Also adds language providing for the annual fee for registration of a recreational trailer, an optional five-year registration and an optional permanent registration. Also adds a section providing for special procedures for trailer registration. Effective in 180 days. Bill History: 01-25-17 H Filed 01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 247 Sainato, Chris (PN 209) Amends Titles 51 (Military Affairs) and 75 (Vehicles) changing the Pennsylvania Veterans' Memorial Trust Fund to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Monuments and Memorial Trust Fund. The fund shall be administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Requires the money to be granted for the operation and maintenance of monuments as designated by the department in consultation with the State Veterans' Commission. Further provides the moneys in the fund shall be used for the promotion, administration, operation, maintenance and completion of the monuments and memorials dedicated to Pennsylvania veterans and military units. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-26-17 H Filed 01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prepared. 02-07-17 H Meeting set for 9:15 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building, House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prepared. -- House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prepared.

HB 251 Kauffman, Rob (PN 212) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) providing for special farmland preservation registration plates to be designed by the Department of Transportation in consultation with the Bureau of Farmland Preservation. Further provides for registration fee of

$35, of which $15 shall be deposited in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Fund to preserve farmland in Pennsylvania. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-27-17 H Filed 01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 257 Kauffman, Rob (PN 217) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in licensing of drivers, further providing for chemical testing to determine amount of alcohol or controlled substance by adding that a person who drives, operates or is in actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle shall be deemed to have given consent to one or more chemical tests of breath, blood or urine for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of blood or the presence of a controlled substance if: (1) A police officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person to have been driving, operating or in actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle in violation of section 1543(b)(1.1) (relating to driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked), 3802 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) or 3808(a)(2) (relating to illegally operating a motor vehicle not equipped with ignition interlock); or (2) The person was driving, operating or in actual physical control of the movement of a vehicle which was involved in an accident in which the operator or passenger of any vehicle involved or a pedestrian required treatment at a medical facility or was killed. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-27-17 H Filed 01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 264 Diamond, Russ (PN 223) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in registration of vehicles, allowing drivers stopped solely due to an expired vehicle registration, inspection sticker, or driver's license less than 30 days after the expiration date to be given 10 days to correct the error and produce evidence of such to avoid receiving a citation or fine. Effective January 1, 2018. Bill History: 01-27-17 H Filed 01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 269 Murt, Thomas (PN 228) Act amending the act of November 4, 2016 (P.L.1196, No.159), entitled "An act designating a portion of State Route 663 in Montgomery County as the Army Specialist Ray Ira Haas Memorial Highway; designating the portion of State Route 100 from Hereford Township at the Lehigh County line through Washington Township in Berks County as the First Lieutenant William R. Gendebien Memorial Highway; designating a portion of State Route 2026, also known as Blair Mill Road, in Montgomery County as the Private First Class Paul T. Wright Memorial Highway; designating a bridge on a portion of Sheep Bridge Road over I-83, Newberry Township, York County, as the Staff Sgt. Jason M. Faley Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 879 over Trout Run in Goshen Township, Clearfield County, as the Private David Kyle McCracken Memorial Bridge; designating a portion of State Route 2034 in Montgomery County as the Cpl. Carl F. Hynek III Memorial Highway; designating a portion of

State Route 145 in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, as the Cpl. Joshua B. Smith Memorial Highway; designating a bridge on that portion of U.S. Route 15 over State Route 114, Upper Allen Township, Cumberland County, as the Cpl. Jonathan Dean Faircloth Memorial Bridge; designating a portion of Byberry Road between Warminster Road and Orangemen's Road in Montgomery County as the Major Jeffrey Toczylowski Memorial Highway; designating a portion of State Route 1010 in Berks County as the DeLight Breidegam, Jr., Memorial Highway; designating a portion of State Route 51 in Fayette County as the Officer Richard Champion Memorial Highway; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 741 over the Conestoga River, between Pequea Township and Lancaster Township, Lancaster County, as the Cpl. Eric M. Torbert, Jr., Memorial Bridge; designating the interchange of State Route 43, the Mon-Fayette Expressway, with Rubles Mill Road, known as Exit 4, Fayette County, as the Master Sgt. Arthur L. Lilley Memorial Interchange; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 770 over the Tunungwant Creek, Bradford Township, McKean County, as the Master Sgt. Thomas Maholic Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge to be constructed on that portion of State Route 6 over Dingman Run, Coudersport Borough, Potter County, as the PFC George Pesock Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 872 over Bailey Run in Wharton Township, Potter County, as the Sgt. Paul M. Brown Memorial Bridge; designating a certain interchange in New Stanton Borough, Westmoreland County, as the E. Jeffrey Wentzel Memorial Interchange; designating a portion of State Route 220 in Lycoming and Sullivan Counties as the Lieutenant Commander John J. Peterman Memorial Highway; designating a portion of State Route 220 in Lycoming County as the Thomas A. Paternostro Memorial Highway; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 1027 in Polk Township, Jefferson County, as the Polk Township Veterans Memorial Bridge; and making related repeals," amending the title of the act; and further providing for Cpl. Carl F. Hynek III Memorial Highway. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-27-17 H Filed 01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 276 Mullery, Gerald (PN 234) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in financial responsibility, granting victims of vehicle crashes involving a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol full tort coverage if the driver dies as a result of the accident. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-30-17 H Filed 01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 279 Pickett, Tina (PN 237) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in miscellaneous provisions, holding occupants traveling in the vehicle at the time of an accident causing serious injury or death as legally responsible as the driver of that vehicle for reporting the accident to authorities as soon as possible. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-30-17 H Filed

01-31-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 283 Baker, Matt (PN 269) Amends the act entitled "An act designating: A portion of State Routes 108 and 551 in Lawrence County as the Battery B Memorial Highway. A bridge on that portion of State Route 403 over the Two Lick Creek, Borough of Clymer, Indiana County, as the Sergeant James Robert Pantall Memorial Bridge. A bridge on that portion of State Route 580 over the Susquehanna River, Cherry Tree Borough, Indiana County, as the Airman Second Class Gerald Emmett Johnson Memorial Bridge. A bridge on State Route 2014 over the Muncy Creek in Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming County, as the Private Walter L. Smith Spanish-American War Memorial Bridge. A portion of State Route 2044 in Lycoming County as the Lance Corporal William F. Merrill Vietnam Veterans Highway. The bridge on State Route 225 that crosses the Armstrong Creek in Halifax Township, Dauphin County, as the Staff Sergeant Brian K. Mowery Memorial Bridge. A bridge on that portion of State Route 1026, Section 004 over the Cocalico Creek, Denver Borough, and West Cocalico Township, Lancaster County, as the Samuel L. Snyder Memorial Bridge. An overpass on State Route 49 over State Route 15, Lawrence Township, Tioga County, as the Lance Corporal Michael G. Plank Memorial Bridge. A portion of Blair Mill Road in Montgomery County as the PVT William H. Walls, U.S.M.C. Memorial Highway. The overpass on State Route 3145 over Interstate 376, BMS 02-3145-0010-0537, in the Market District at Settlers Ridge, Robinson Township, Allegheny County, as the Roy F. Johns, Jr., Overpass. A portion of State Route 51 North in the Borough of Coraopolis, Allegheny County, as the Fred A. Trello Memorial Boulevard. A certain interchange in New Stanton Borough, Westmoreland County, as the Edwin "Lance" Wentzel Memorial Interchange. The bridge carrying State Route 2005 (Business Route 222) over the Schuylkill River, Riverfront Drive and Norfolk Southern Railroad in the City of Reading, Berks County, commonly referred to as the Bingaman Street Bridge, as the 65th U.S. Infantry Regiment, Borinqueneers Memorial Bridge. A bridge on that portion of State Route 36 over the Chest Creek, Patton Borough, Cambria County, as the Martin Joseph Davis Memorial Bridge. A portion of State Route 1008 in Fayetteville, Franklin County, as the James W. Cutchall Memorial Highway. A bridge on that portion of U.S. Route 15 over State Route 114, Mechanicsburg Borough, Cumberland County, as the Corporal Jonathan Dean Faircloth Memorial Bridge. The bridge on that portion of Township Route 431/436, Cooney Road, over U.S. Route 22 in Munster Township, Cambria County, as the PFC Thomas A. Cooney Memorial Bridge. The bridge on Tower Road spanning U.S. Route 219 in Croyle Township, Cambria County, as the Trooper Herbert A. Wirfel Memorial Bridge. A bridge on that portion of Greenwood Avenue over the SEPTA tracks in Cheltenham Township and Jenkintown Borough, Montgomery County, as the Honorable Lawrence H. Curry Bridge. A bridge on that portion of State Route 144 over the Bald Eagle Creek, Milesburg Borough, Centre County, as the Veterans Bridge. An interchange on Pennsylvania Turnpike Route 66 in Westmoreland County as the David B. Sheridan Memorial Interchange. A bridge on that portion of State Route 217 over

the Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks and 2nd Street in Derry Borough, Westmoreland County, as the Derry Veterans Memorial Bridge," further providing for Lance Corporal Michael G. Plank Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-31-17 H Filed 02-01-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Transportation

HB 290 Metzgar, Carl (PN 284) Amends the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act further providing for Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board removing the Middle Atlantic Truck Stop Operators from the board and adding a statewide organization representing fuel retailers and food merchants. Also provides for the appointments to the board by the Senate President Pro Tempore, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Minority Leader and the House Minority Leader. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 02-01-17 H Filed 02-02-17 H Introduced and referred to committee on House Environmental Resources and Energy

HB 303 Topper, Jesse Act designation a bridge on that portion of State Route 1005, known as Church View Road, Segment 0180, Offset 0000, over Beaver Creek, South Woodbury Township, Bedford County, as the PFC/POW William G. Koontz Memorial Bridge. Bill History: 02-02-17 H Filed

HB 309 Costa, Dom Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in miscellaneous provisions, providing for heat alert system in a K-9 law enforcement vehicle. Bill History: 02-02-17 H Filed

HB 311 Costa, Dom Amends Title 42 (Judiciary & Judicial Procedure), in bonds and recognizances, providing for bail in driving-under-influence offenses. Bill History: 02-02-17 H Filed

HB 337 Costa, Dom Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), further providing for definitions; in rules of the road in general, providing for solid waste collection vehicles; and, in lighting equipment, further providing for use and display of illuminated signs. Bill History: 02-02-17 H Filed

SB 8 Folmer, Mike (PN 269) Amends Titles 4 (Amusements), 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 30 (Fish), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 75 (Vehicles), in administration and enforcement relating to gaming, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties; in inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of manufacture, distribution, use or possession of devices for theft of telecommunications services; in assault, further providing for the offense of terrorism; in loss of property rights relating to sexual offenses, further providing for general rule, repealing provisions relating to process and seizure, to custody of property and to disposal of property; in forgery and fraudulent practices, further providing for the offenses of copying and recording devices and for trademark counterfeiting; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for seizure and

forfeiture of electronic, mechanical or other devices; in minors, further providing for sentencing and penalties for trafficking drugs to minors; in nuisances, further providing for the offense of scattering rubbish; in other offenses, further providing for drug trafficking sentencing and penalties; in vehicle chop shop and illegally obtained and altered property, further providing for loss of property rights to Commonwealth and repealing provisions relating to procedure with respect to seized property subject to liens and rights of lienholders; in enforcement relating to Fish and Boat Code, further providing for forfeiture of fish and devices; in actions, proceedings and other matters generally relating to Judicial Code, adding provisions relating to forfeiture of assets; in forfeitures, further providing for controlled substances forfeiture and repealing provisions relating to terrorism forfeiture and to procedure with respect to seized property subject to liens and rights of lienholders; provides for annual audit of forfeited property; in size, weight and load relating to Vehicle Code, further providing for transporting foodstuffs in vehicles used to transport waste; in liquid fuels and fuel use tax enforcement, further providing for forfeitures and process and procedures and for disposition of fines and forfeitures; providing for conduct of forfeiture; and making repeals of provisions of the Liquor Code, the Tax Reform Code of 1971 and another act relating to certain forfeiture of property. Effective July 1, 2017, or immediately, whichever is later. (Prior Printer Number: 181) Bill History: 01-31-17 S Reported as amended Senate Judiciary 01-31-17 S First consideration 02-01-17 S Set on the Senate Calendar 02-01-17 Second consideration 11:46am 02-01-17 S Rereferred to Senate Appropriations

SB 137 McGarrigle, Thomas (PN 91) Amends Titles 51 (Military Affairs) and 74 (Transportation) adding a new section providing the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs shall be a liaison for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and provide administrative support within the limits of authorized appropriations. Requires the department to: receive and supervise the expenditure of State funds appropriated by the General Assembly or secured by the Commonwealth for the use and benefit of the CAP; supervise the maintenance and use of Commonwealth facilities used by the CAP; and receive requests for assistance by the CAP in natural or man-made disasters or emergency situations. Repeals section 5301 (b) (5) which authorized the Department of Transportation to expend Commonwealth funds for search and rescue operations and organ transport by the CAP and related educational materials and equipment. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-25-17 S Reported as committed from Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prepared. 01-25-17 S First consideration 02-01-17 S Set on the Senate Calendar 02-01-17 Second consideration 11:47am 02-01-17 S Rereferred to Senate Appropriations

SB 170 Rafferty, John (PN 146) Amends entitled "An act providing for joint action by Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the development of the ports on the lower Delaware River, and the improvement of the

facilities for transportation across the river; authorizing the Governor, for these purposes, to enter into an agreement with New Jersey; creating The Delaware River Joint Commission and specifying the powers and duties thereof, including the power to finance projects by the issuance of revenue bonds; transferring to the new commission all the powers of the Delaware River Bridge Joint Commission; and making an appropriation," further providing for the Delaware River Joint Commission, for composition, for employees, for financing and for executive sessions; providing for majority approval and contract procedures; further providing for report; providing for conflicts of interest and for master plan; creating the Port Authority Transit Corporation Commuter's Council; further providing for definitions; authorizing the Governor to apply for approval; prohibiting the entrance into a compact until passage of a similar act; and making editorial changes. Among the many changes, the bill stipulates that Pennsylvania commissioners who are not ex-officio members of the commission shall be confirmed by a majority of the members elected to the Pennsylvania Senate; grants authority to borrow money for the purpose of financing any project authorized by or pursuant to this compact or agreement; grants authority to acquire, purchase, construct, lease, operate, maintain and undertake any project directly relating to the operation of the Delaware River Port Authority, including any terminal, terminal facility, transportation facility, or any other facility of commerce, and to make charges for the use thereof; authorizes executive sessions to be held for certain reasons; prescribes limits on the ability of the commission to enter into or amend contracts; requires best practices in the procurement of necessary items and services; requires a biennial audit and performance review; provides for gift bans and conflicts of interest; requires preparation of a comprehensive master plan for the development of the Port District; and creates the Port Authority Transit Corporation Commuter's Council, to study, investigate, monitor and make recommendations with respect to the maintenance and operation of the Port Authority Transit Corporation's facilities for the transportation of passengers. Portions are effective December 31, 2018, and the remainder is effective immediately. Bill History: 01-31-17 S Voted favorably from committee on Senate Appropriations 01-31-17 S Reported as committed from Senate Appropriations 02-01-17 S Set on the Senate Calendar 02-01-17 Second consideration 11:49am 02-06-17 S Set on the Senate Calendar

SB 184 McGarrigle, Thomas (PN 241) Amends the Act of March 29, 1803 entitled "An act to establish a Board of Wardens for the port of Philadelphia, and for the regulation of pilots and pilotages, and for other purposes therein mentioned," adding a section providing for limited liability for pilots and apprentices to stimulate and preserve maritime commerce on the pilotage grounds of this Commonwealth by limiting and regulating the liability of certain pilots, which commerce is essential to the economic viability of Pennsylvania's maritime commerce and serves the public interests. A licensed pilot or apprentice providing pilot services shall not be liable for more than $5,000 for damage or loss

caused by the licensed pilot's or apprentice's error, omission, fault or neglect in the performance of the pilot services, except as provided in the bill. This does not exempt a vessel or its owner or operator from liability for damage or loss caused by the vessel to a person or property. Effective immediately. Bill History: 01-27-17 S Filed 01-27-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Judiciary

SB 249 Ward, Kim (PN 242) Amends the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Act further providing for emergency vehicles by waiving fees for a member of the Pennsylvania State Police for a legitimate law enforcement function and a vehicle carrying or escorting a firefighter, ambulance service or rescue squad member, law enforcement officer or armed service member killed in the line of duty. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-27-17 S Filed 01-27-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 252 Vulakovich, Randy (PN 232) Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), in parking authorities, providing for granting of interests and mixed-use projects for authorities in cities of the second class. The bill grants an authority in a city of the second class (Pittsburgh) the power to do the following: (1) Grant an interest in and to all or a portion of land, buildings and structures for dedicated parking to support commercial or residential uses, if the grant of the interest will not negatively impact the financial standing of the authority and the consideration for the grant of the interest is appropriate considering the overall transaction; and if the term of the interest does not extend beyond the term of existence of the authority and the grant of the interest is not permissible where the average occupancy rate of parking spaces for the prior six calendar months has exceeded 90 percent for that particular facility; (2) Develop, operate or participate in the development or operation of one or more mixed-use projects; and (3) Finance mixed-use projects by incurring indebtedness. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-27-17 S Filed 01-27-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Local Government

SB 262 Baker, Lisa (PN 244) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in general provisions, adding that "emergency vehicle" includes a privately owned vehicle used in answering an emergency call when used by a local emergency coordinator. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-30-17 S Filed 01-30-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 265 Regan, Mike (F) (PN 247) Act designating the bridge carrying State Route 3012 over the Susquehanna River between City Island and the intersection with State Route 1010 and State Route 1027, commonly referred to as the Market Street Bridge, as the Senator Harold Mowery Market Street Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-30-17 S Filed

01-30-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 266 Vogel, Jr., Elder (PN 251) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles) providing for special registration plates on passenger cars or trucks for recipients of Soldier's Medal for a fee of $20. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-31-17 S Filed 01-31-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 279 Rafferty, John (PN 273) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities. The bill authorizes local law enforcement to use LIDAR for speed enforcement. Effective in 120 days. Bill History: 01-31-17 S Filed 01-31-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 288 Rafferty, John (PN 274) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in rules of the road in general, further providing for duty of driver in emergency response areas by increasing penalties for a violation of what is colloquially known as the Steer Clear Law. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-31-17 S Filed 01-31-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

SB 289 White, Donald (PN 275) Act designating a bridge on that portion of old State Route 22 over the Conemaugh River in Blairsville Borough, Indiana County, as the Blairsville Area Veterans Memorial Bridge. Effective in 60 days. Bill History: 01-31-17 S Filed 01-31-17 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation

Committee Stories

Senate Judiciary Committee 1/31/17, 11:30 a.m., Room 8E-B, Capitol East Wing By Aaron Rider, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider legislation.

SB 8 Folmer, Mike - (PN 181) Amends Titles 4 (Amusements), 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 30 (Fish), 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and 75 (Vehicles), in administration and enforcement relating to gaming, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties; in inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of manufacture, distribution, use or possession of devices for theft of telecommunications services; in assault, further providing for the offense of terrorism; in loss of property rights relating to sexual offenses, further providing for general rule, repealing provisions relating to process and seizure, to custody of property and to disposal of property; in forgery and fraudulent practices, further providing for the offenses of copying and recording devices and for trademark counterfeiting; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for seizure and forfeiture of electronic, mechanical or other devices; in minors, further providing for sentencing and penalties for trafficking drugs to minors; in nuisances, further providing for the offense of scattering rubbish; in other offenses, further providing for drug trafficking sentencing and penalties; in vehicle chop shop and illegally obtained and altered property, further providing for loss of property rights to

Commonwealth and repealing provisions relating to procedure with respect to seized property subject to liens and rights of lienholders; in enforcement relating to Fish and Boat Code, further providing for forfeiture of fish and devices; in actions, proceedings and other matters generally relating to Judicial Code, adding provisions relating to forfeiture of assets; in forfeitures, further providing for controlled substances forfeiture and repealing provisions relating to terrorism forfeiture and to procedure with respect to seized property subject to liens and rights of lienholders; in size, weight and load relating to Vehicle Code, further providing for transporting foodstuffs in vehicles used to transport waste; in liquid fuels and fuel use tax enforcement, further providing for forfeitures and process and procedures and for disposition of fines and forfeitures; providing for conduct of forfeiture; and making repeals of provisions of the Liquor Code, the Tax Reform Code of 1971 and another act relating to certain forfeiture of property. Effective July 1, 2017, or immediately, whichever is later. - The bill was reported as amended. Sen. Art Haywood (D-Montgomery) and Minority Chairman Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) voted nay.

A00073 by Reschenthaler, provides for disclosure of certain information in annual audits of asset forfeiture. The amendment was unanimously adopted.

Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) provided an introduction to his bill, which he said is slightly revised from a similar version that passed the full Senate last session but ran out of time to get through the House. Sen. Folmer explained that the new bill also includes a technical change to remove the possibility of certain unfunded mandates arising. He said that the new bill will significantly improve Pennsylvania's civil asset forfeiture program in several respects.

Sen. Haywood asked if the amendment to this bill was what caused Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) to drop his prior support. Sen. Folmer said yes and explained it is an effort to garner enough support for the bill to pass, but acknowledge concessions were made. He argued Pennsylvania is better off with this bill than without it.

Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny) said that his amendment adds more transparency to the bill.

On the bill as amended, Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) thanked Sen. Folmer and Chairman Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) for how receptive their offices were in addressing the concerns of District Attorney Association regarding the bill. Chairman Greenleaf thanked Sen. Folmer, the US Justice Network, and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association for their work to resolve the concerns.

Chairman Leach said that he is opposed to the bill because the doctrine of civil asset forfeiture as it exists is "strange and troublesome," and because this version of the reform proposal now lacks a provision requiring the appointment of legal counsel. He said that people deserve counsel before their assets are forfeited in civil proceedings, but that many will be unable to afford it. He argued that the state should shoulder the burden of proof in such "quasi-criminal" cases, but that this bill allows them to avoid that burden. Chairman Leach concluded by saying he would like to eliminate civil asset forfeiture when possible but that, for now, the bill in question does not provide enough protection to private citizens. Chairman Greenleaf responded that the bill is a positive step and that he is working on a bill to address some of Chairman Leach's concerns. "We need to get what we need now and get what we can later, if we can," he said.

Senate Appropriations Committee 1/31/17, 2:30 p.m., Senate Rules Committee Conference Room By Matt Hess, Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The committee met to consider the Senate Appropriations Operating Policy and legislation.

SB 170 Rafferty, John - (PN 146) Amends entitled "An act providing for joint action by Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the development of the ports on the lower Delaware River, and the improvement of the facilities for transportation across the river; authorizing the Governor, for these purposes, to enter into an agreement with New Jersey; creating The Delaware River Joint Commission and specifying the powers and duties thereof, including the power to finance projects by the issuance of revenue bonds; transferring to the new commission all the powers of the Delaware River Bridge Joint Commission; and making an appropriation," further providing for the Delaware River Joint Commission, for composition, for employees, for financing and for executive sessions; providing for majority approval and contract procedures; further providing for report; providing for conflicts of interest and for master plan; creating the Port Authority Transit Corporation Commuter's Council; further providing for definitions; authorizing the Governor to apply for approval; prohibiting the entrance into a compact until passage of a similar act; and making

PLS’s Transportation Recap – Copyright 2016 – Pennsylvania Legislative Services – www.mypls.com February 3, 2017 editorial changes. Among the many changes, the bill stipulates that Pennsylvania commissioners who are not ex- officio members of the commission shall be confirmed by a majority of the members elected to the Pennsylvania Senate; grants authority to borrow money for the purpose of financing any project authorized by or pursuant to this compact or agreement; grants authority to acquire, purchase, construct, lease, operate, maintain and undertake any project directly relating to the operation of the Delaware River Port Authority, including any terminal, terminal facility, transportation facility, or any other facility of commerce, and to make charges for the use thereof; authorizes executive sessions to be held for certain reasons; prescribes limits on the ability of the commission to enter into or amend contracts; requires best practices in the procurement of necessary items and services; requires a biennial audit and performance review; provides for gift bans and conflicts of interest; requires preparation of a comprehensive master plan for the development of the Port District; and creates the Port Authority Transit Corporation Commuter's Council, to study, investigate, monitor and make recommendations with respect to the maintenance and operation of the Port Authority Transit Corporation's facilities for the transportation of passengers. Portions are effective December 31, 2018, and the remainder is effective immediately. - The bill was reported as committed with Democratic committee members voting in the negative

Chairman Hughes noted that Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a similar bill last session due to concern about appointments on the board and urged a negative vote on the legislation.

PA Bulletin

PENNDOT: STATE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING The State Transportation Commission will hold a public meeting on Thursday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg. For more information, contact Ellen E. Sweeney, (717) 787-2913, [email protected].

BMDS: DOCUMENT PREPARATION FEES The State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons published a list of maximum document preparation fees that a dealer may charge the purchaser of a vehicle, available at www.dos.pa.gov/vehicle.

Upcoming Events

PA State Transportation Advisory Committee February 6, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. Commonwealth Keystone Building, Room 8N1, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Committee Meeting. For additional information: (717) 787-2913

House Education February 6, 2017 - 11:00 a.m., Room G50, Irvis Office Building To consider: HB 224 Simmons, Justin Amends Public School Code re epi-pens

House Transportation February 6, 2017 - 12:00 p.m., Room 205, Ryan Office Building To consider: HB 188 Causer, Martin Amends Title 75 re exemption from fees HB 215 Boback, Karen Amends Title 75 re female veteran plate

House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Prepared. February 7, 2017 - 9:15 a.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building To adopt committee rules and to consider: HB 204 Jozwiak, Barry Amends Titles 51 and 74 re Civil Air Patrol HB 247 Sainato, Chris Amends Title 51 re veterans' monuments & fund

PA Turnpike Commission February 7, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. Turnpike Admin. Bldg, Large Board Room, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd., 3rd Fl., Middletown Commission Meeting. For additional information: (717) 831-7333

House Consumer Affairs February 8, 2017 - 9:15 a.m., Room B-31, Main Capitol To consider: HB 179 Day, Gary Amends Title 66 re household good movers

PA Public Utility Commission February 9, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. Commonwealth Keystone Building, Hearing Room 1, 400 North St., Harrisburg Public Meeting. For additional information: (717) 783-1740

PA State Transportation Commission February 16, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. Commonwealth Keystone Building, Room 8N1, 400 North Street, Harrisburg Commission Meeting. For additional information: (717) 787-2913

Session Schedule Senate February 6, 7, 8 March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24 June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Senate budget hearings February 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28 March 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

House February 6, 7, 8 March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 April 3, 4, 5, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24 June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

House budget hearings February 21, 22, 23, 27, 28 March 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9

In the News

02-02-2017 350 Philadelphia, Nicetown Residents Serve SEPTA with Lawsuit (Press Release)

02-02-2017 Mayor Peduto should have saved his Uber criticism for PWSA Mayor Bill Peduto took time over the weekend to criticize Uber for something it did (or didn’t do) in New York. Where is the mayor’s similar moral outrage over the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority? Nearly two dozen city schools were closed Wednesday, the Animal Rescue League... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

02-02-2017 VW to pay $1.2 billion or more to U.S. owners of big diesels Volkswagen has agreed to pay at least $1.2 billion in buybacks and compensation to settle claims from U.S. owners of cars with larger diesel engines that the company rigged to cheat on emissions tests... - AP

02-02-2017 Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, Spirit Airlines rank low in on-time departures Travelers at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport dealt with more delayed departures than passengers at nearly 90 percent of the nation's airports in 2016, according to federal data, while on-time departures at Pittsburgh International Airport bested about two-thirds of other airports nationwide.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

02-02-2017 Mack logs worst year of truck deliveries since 2010 In the cyclical heavy-duty truck market, what goes up must eventually come down, and that's exactly what happened to Mack Trucks in 2016. Mack delivered 18,846 trucks last year, its

weakest year since completing 13,465 vehicles in 2010 as it just started to climb out of the 2009... - Allentown Morning Call

02-02-2017 Lackawanna River Heritage Trail use more than doubles The number of Lackawanna River Heritage Trail visitors more than doubled over the last seven years while its economic impact skyrocketed, researchers found. Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority unveiled Wednesday a survey and economic impact analysis that found rail-trail use grew from 128,000 in... - Scranton Times

02-02-2017 Murray Complex site in W-B eyed as LCTA’s future home LCTA officials want to buy about 14 acres of land on the former site of the Murray Complex on South Pennsylvania Avenue. The plans also include buying a building on the corner of South Pennsylvania Avenue and Hazle Street that now houses a pharmacy and offices for magisterial district courts.... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

02-02-2017 DUI checkpoints, patrols planned through Sunday The Luzerne County DUI Checkpoint program will conduct events today through Sunday, according to a news release from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Police departments that will conduct roving patrols and checkpoints include West Wyoming, Wright Township, Rice Township, Fairview Township and Luzerne... - Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice

02-02-2017 More action needed on highway safety After years of decline, motor vehicle crash fatalities rose nationwide in 2015, and early data suggests the number was climbing significantly again last year. A highway safety group points to Pennsylvania as one of 17 states that are failing to do enough to keep those numbers down.... - Washington Observer-Reporter

02-02-2017 Feds vote on Route 209 commercial traffic through NPS land Bill bans big rigs on Route 209 A bill to amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act passed the House of Representatives after just 40 minutes of deliberation on Monday. The bill, HR560, which addresses the road within the park land, between... - Pocono Record

02-02-2017 2 DUIs changed his life — for the better Andrew Lehigh had been making bad decisions for years. At 19, he joined the Navy and started drinking, heavily. When he was discharged two years later, he was still drinking and started doing drugs. He was arrested and charged with simple assault. A year and a half later, when he was 23, Lehigh was charged with his first... - York Daily

02-02-2017 Thruway project hits first hurdle; it must be scaled The Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway Project has – pardon the pun – hit a roadblock. Actually, the roadblock is more like a milkshake-textured ooze from two coal by- products that are in the path of the southern portion of the project, which is designed to bypass the perpetually congested Shamokin Dam... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

02-02-2017 New legal challenge to California bullet train is filed in Superior Court Opponents of the California bullet train alleged in legal papers filed Tuesday that the California legislature violated the state constitution when it passed a law last year amending and modifying the $9-billion high speed rail bond act that voters approved in 2008.... - Los Angeles Times

02-02-2017 Ohio loses Amazon air-cargo hub to Kentucky; Kasich says state did all it could Amazon's test of an air-cargo hub that could compete with the likes of UPS and FedEx got its start in Wilmington in southwest Ohio. But the finished product is going to end up about an hour away in Kentucky, much to the chagrin of Gov. John Kasich, who has helped get other sizable... - Columbus Dispatch

02-02-2017 Delaware County Council OKs $400G to push Chester Creek trail MEDIA >> In one swift move, Delaware County Council forged ahead with the second phase of the Chester Creek Trail, clearing the way for what will be the largest county-owned trail to date. “We now have in place all the funds necessary for the design of phase 2... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

02-02-2017 Temporary support towers being installed under Delaware River Bridge in Bristol Township Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpike crews are installing massive 80-foot support towers beneath the damaged Delaware River Bridge in Bristol Township to try to return the structure to its original height. The bridge's height was displaced by about 2 inches in January after a beam... - Levittown Intelligencer

02-02-2017 Bucks, Montgomery counties split trail design cost It might not stretch as far as originally planned, but at least one section of Bucks County's Newtown Rail Trail project is still alive. The county commissioners unanimously agreed Wednesday to split the cost with Montgomery County for designing and engineering the trail's connection... - Levittown Intelligencer

02-02-2017 Adams Co. accepts bids to fix bridges Bridges across Adams County are one step closer to receiving a facelift. The county opened the bids for the maintenance repairs of 40 county bridges during the Wednesday board of commissioners meeting. The annual upkeep, slated for the spring, will address repairs like sign... - Hanover Evening Sun

02-02-2017 Pa. Turnpike employee acquitted of 'stealing time' Pa. Turnpike employee acquitted of "stealing time" A Lehigh County jury this week acquitted an Upper Milford Township woman who was accused of "stealing time" from her employer, the Pennsylvania turnpike commission. Following a two-day trial, Sharie Anne Sacco was found not guilty Wednesday... - Allentown Morning Call

02-02-2017 Anti-Trump #DeleteUber push inadvertently benefits Trump backers; why Uber says it's 'horrified' A consumer protest aimed at ride-sharing company Uber, one fueled by the company's response to President Trump's travel ban and CEO Travis Kalanick's involvement with Trump's government advisory council or committee, has reportedly resulted in an "unprecedented" number of requests... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

02-02-2017 Commissioners consider bridge maintenance bids Adams County Commissioners Wednesday received four bids with a $360,000 difference from lowest to highest for routine maintenance of 40 county-owned bridges. Commissioners Marty Qually and Jim Martin said they don't typically see such a "huge gap" among bids as was the case with those submitted this... - Gettysburg Times

02-02-2017 Evening route hits Amtran’s on-time rating As reported during a recent meeting, Amtran’s on-time performance last year didn’t look good, compared to performances listed in a national study sponsored by the federal government. But the local bus authority fared much better after adjusting its on-time criteria to match the criteria that prevailed among participants in the... - Altoona Mirror

02-01-2017 Automated Speed Enforcement Bill Advances Again in Senate (Press Release)

02-01-2017 PennDOT Reduces Speed Limits on Interstate Highways in Northwest Region

(Press Release)

02-01-2017 Controller says city officials should have access to Uber's data Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb amplified local pressure Tuesday on Uber, saying the ride- share company should grant city officials ready access to information that its self-driving vehicles collect here. “There’s value in that data, and we should be sharing in that... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

02-01-2017 Mayor Bill Peduto’s criticism of Uber is foolish Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto must be out of his mind to criticize Uber’s CEO for serving on President Donald Trump’s business advisory council (“Peduto Jabs Uber Over Trump Connection, JFK Airport Fare Slashing,” Jan. 31). Uber applied for and was granted, as in many cities, a business operations... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

02-01-2017 Precheck to ease screening at Palmer airport Travelers boarding Spirit Airlines flights at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity can keep their shoes on at the security checkpoint if they sign up for a Precheck program offered by the Transportation Security Administration. Spirit, which schedules flights from Unity to Myrtle Beach and Florida... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

02-01-2017 PA Congressman presses Trump administration on refugees turned away from PHL WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, a Republican from Allentown, is seeking answers from the Trump administration concerning six Syrian Christian refugees turned away from Philadelphia International Airport Saturday despite family members saying they had valid visas.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

02-01-2017 SEPTA is no longer refunding riders whose trains are late SEPTA's loss of one-third of its rail cars last summer created so many delays that the transit agency put on hiatus a refund policy for riders whose trains were late. The rail cars eventually came back, but the refund didn’t. On Tuesday, SEPTA reported that the refunds are gone for good.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

02-01-2017 Lehigh Valley airport treading deeper into e-commerce business The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority took a step to grow its burgeoning e-commerce business by approving plans Tuesday to use a second warehouse near the airfield to handle cargo from FedEx and Amazon flights until it can build its own $20 million warehouse.... - Allentown Morning Call

02-01-2017 Mack logs worst year of truck deliveries since 2010 Mack Trucks delivered 18,846 vehicles last year, its weakest year since 2010 as the North American heavy-duty truck industry continued to adjust following a peak year of demand in 2015. Mack's worldwide delivery total in 2016 was a 31 percent decline from the... - Allentown Morning Call

02-01-2017 Key portions of Jordan Creek Greenway Trail slated for construction this year Two key legs of the meandering Jordan Creek Greenway Trail are scheduled for construction this year in South Whitehall and Whitehall townships, slowly turning the ambitious project into reality. The sections, which will total 1.75miles, are moving forward thanks to... - Allentown Morning Call

02-01-2017 Luzerne County stepping up transportation plan with new hire Former Luzerne County operational services division head Tanis Manseau has returned to county government employment as a planning/zoning office transportation planner, officials said. The position pays $51,000. All compensation and benefits are covered by the... - Wilkes- Barre Times Leader

02-01-2017 LCTA looking to make Murray complex its new home It appears the former Murray complex along South Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilkes-Barre will not be the site of a new school or an extravagant retail center — the site has been selected as the new home of the Luzerne County Transportation Authority. According to Norm Gavlick, LCTA executive director, a joint project with... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

02-01-2017 Johnstown airport funding in jeopardy under spending model Passenger air service at 173 small airports – including Johnstown, Altoona and DuBois – would be in jeopardy under a spending model included in discussions by President Donald Trump’s budget team. Washington-based news magazine and website The Hill has reported the Trump... - Johnstown Tribune-Democrat

02-01-2017 Bosch, a Volkswagen Supplier, Agrees to Settle Over Diesel Scandal FRANKFURT — The German auto electronics supplier Robert Bosch said on Wednesday that it had agreed to pay $327.5 million to settle claims that the company helped devise the software that Volkswagen used to cheat on United States emissions tests. Owners of Volkswagens and Audis with two-liter diesel motors in the United... - New York Times

02-01-2017 Tesla S Falls Short of Luxury Rivals on Tougher Safety Test Tesla has long promoted its cars as among the safest available. After its Model S electric sedan was reviewed by the federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2013, Tesla said it had received the best safety rating of any car ever tested.... - New York Times

02-01-2017 California feels the repercussions of Trump's travel restrictions Good morning. It’s Tuesday, Jan. 31, and here’s what’s happening across California: TOP STORIES Trump and travel Handicapping the legal dramas ahead over the travel restrictions that have so roiled cities, airports and Washington in recent days. Los Angeles Times... - Los Angeles Times

02-01-2017 Editorial: A fitting salute to Officer Dennis McNamara It was most fitting that the first vehicle to travel on the newly minted Officer Dennis McNamara Memorial Highway Monday was the very patrol car the Upper Darby patrolman was driving 15 years ago. On Jan. 30, 2002, McNamara was responding to a report of a suspicious car... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

02-01-2017 Highway safety worth experiment Smile if you don’t slow down before entering a speed-restricted construction zone on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and interstate highways. There’s a good chance your picture will be taken. The state Senate Transportation Committee voted Jan. 24 for a five-year pilot program to place speed-detection cameras within highway work zones.... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

02-01-2017 Super Bowls fans reminded not to drink and drive “Super Bowl fans don’t let fans drive drunk. If you want to be the MVP of Super Bowl LI, volunteer to be a designated driver to help your family and friends get home safely,” David Everly, regional coordinator with the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program, said. This is the... - Pottsville Republican and Evening Herald

02-01-2017 VW agrees to pay $1.2 Billion to owners of bigger diesels as part of emissions settlement Volkswagen has agreed to an additional $1.2 billion in buybacks and compensation for owners of vehicles with larger diesel engines as the final piece of a settlement over rigged emissions tests. The proposed settlement, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in San... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

02-01-2017 Railroad Museum meets $50,000 matching grant challenge for locomotive restoration project The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania has met a $50,000 matching grant challenge by the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society, with funds designated for the preservation of five historic Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotives. Donald H. Lotz, president of the Friends board, said the organization had... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

02-01-2017 Wise elected chairman of local airport authority FALLS CREEK – Rick Wise will pilot the Clearfield-Jefferson Counties Regional Airport Authority through the next two years. During the election of officers at the authority’s reorganization meeting Friday, the authority retained Wise as chairman and Jay Chamberlin... - DuBois Courier-Express

02-01-2017 Mack logs worst year of truck deliveries since 2010 In the cyclical heavy-duty truck market, what goes up must eventually come down, and that's exactly what happened to Mack Trucks in 2016. Mack delivered 18,846 trucks last year, its weakest year since completing 13,465 vehicles in 2010 as it just started to climb out of the 2009... - Allentown Morning Call

01-31-2017 New SEPTA Regional Rail Line Schedules Go Into Effect Sunday, Jan. 29 (Press Release)

01-31-2017 Entrepreneurs race to develop flying car WASHINGTON — Even before George Jetson entranced kids with his cartoon flying car, people dreamed of soaring above traffic congestion. Inventors and entrepreneurs have long tried and failed to make the dream a reality, but that may be changing... - AP

01-31-2017 Peduto jabs Uber over Trump connection, airport protest Uber got an earful Monday from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, who vented his frustration over CEO Travis Kalanick’s role on a business advisory council under President Donald Trump. Mr. Peduto, a Democrat, also criticized the ride-share company over its actions Saturday at JFK International Airport in New York City. There, Uber... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-31-2017 Alle-Kiski Tuesday takes Lofty goal: Nonprofit Faith Community Partners wants to renovate a rundown Tarentum building and turn it into a laundromat and community center. It bought the building and an adjoining parking lot for $63,000 from Tarentum Mayor Carl Magnetta 17 months ago. The group wants to raise $1 million for... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-31-2017 Tuesday takes Loose ends?: A $250,000 tab for transportation, food and drink expenses for events last year marking the 200th anniversary of Pittsburgh's incorporation adds up to a tad more than “loose ends.” It's akin to a left hook, which City Council agreed to pay in a 8-1 vote. Yes, Mayor... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-31-2017 Consultant to review SEPTA paratransit services For some people in wheelchairs, with developmental disabilities, for the blind and elderly, the only route to using public transportation is SEPTA's Customized Community Transportation, and, according to those riders, that frequently is not a good experience.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-31-2017 American Express to open PHL lounge for premium credit-card customers Catering to its premium credit-card customers, American Express is constructing passenger lounges in airports and will open its eighth in the United States at Philadelphia International Airport this year. The 6,300-square-foot "Centurion Lounge" will be in PHL's Terminal A West... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-31-2017 Philly bridge closure throws into sharp relief Pa.'s ongoing bridge problem The dramatic closing of the Turnpike bridge between Pennsylvania and New Jersey has been a headline-capturing event -- and a traffic nightmare. While it's focused attention on that single bridge, it also underscores a continuing issue in the Commonwealth. Namely, that Pennsylvania still has a bad-bridge problem. The state's bad... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-31-2017 Turnpike lanes reopen at Harrisburg interchange The westbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike near the Harrisburg interchange have reopened following a single-vehicle crash. A detour was put in place between the Harrisburg East and Harrisburg West Shore exits after a box truck crashed near mile marker 243, just before the... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-31-2017 Lehigh Valley residents can sign up for TSA Precheck program at LVIA in early March Valley residents can sign up for TSA Precheck program at LVIA Want to speed through airport security, all the while keeping your shoes and belt on? If so, you may want to look into enrolling in the Transportation Security Administration's Precheck program by visiting Lehigh Valley International... - Allentown Morning Call

01-31-2017 Whitehall park decisions hinge on Toll Brothers litigation The Centre Region Council of Governments General Forum heard an update on the Whitehall Road Regional Park as part of its meeting Monday night. Pam Salokangas, Centre Region Parks and Recreation director, said there are still a lot of moving parts associated with the project.... - State College Centre Daily Times

01-31-2017 Transit routes to and from Pittsburgh, Washington, to change Those who ride buses to and from Pittsburgh, around Washington, and the Freedom Line from McDonald through Cecil Township in the vicinity of Muse will see changes proposed to take effect this spring in nine local communities. Freedom Transit, the name adopted by Washington County Transportation... - Washington Observer-Reporter

01-31-2017 Montour named Pa. ‘Trail of the Year’ for ’17 Deb Esia got involved with the Montour Trail 26 years ago. “I’m an outdoors person, and I just thought it was a great idea to repurpose the property,” said Esia, 58, of Joffre. “Because I was a runner, it appealed to me because I could go out and practice training for... - Washington Observer-Reporter

01-31-2017 50 vehicles involved in fatal I-83 crash Update: All lanes are now open on Interstate 83 after a 50-car pileup on Monday, according to York County 911. Previously reported: One person has died and at least nine suffered injuries in a series of crashes during a snowsquall on Interstate 83 near Glen Rock on Monday afternoon, according to Pennsylvania State Police and... - York Daily

01-31-2017 Part of highway dedicated to longtime educator PICTURE ROCKS — A memorial highway dedication in honor of the late Thomas A. Paternostro was held at George A. Ferrell Elementary on Sunday afternoon, drawing in dozens of people who turned out to celebrate the lifelong educator and former East Lycoming School District superintendent.... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

01-31-2017 Bridges, RTK? issues focus of Commissioner’s work session Bridges and Right To Know requests were the main topics at Monday’s Commissioner’s Work Session. A new bridge stands in Glade Township, thanks to Act 13 funding. The bridge, which cost a total of $56,979 plus around $1500 miscellaneous fees assessed to the township, was assembled by ADM Welding and brought to... - Warren Times Observer

01-31-2017 PennDOT issues winter driving reminder The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reminds motorists to use caution and remain alert while driving on cold or wet roads. Officials advised that during the winter months, weather changes quickly and hazardous conditions could arise from potential freezing and black ice... - New Castle News

01-31-2017 The number of people affected by Trump’s travel ban: About 90,000 “Only 109 people out of 325,000 were detained and held for questioning.” — President Trump, tweet, Jan, 30, 2017 “Remember we’re talking about a universe of 109 people. There were 325,000 people that came into this country over a 24 hour period from another country. 109 of them were stopped for additional screening.”... - Washington Post

01-31-2017 Trump’s claim taking credit for cutting $600 million from the F-35 program “But we cut approximately $600 million off the F-35 fighter, and that only amounts to 90 planes out of close to 3,000 planes. And when you think about $600 million, it was announced by Marillyn, who’s very talented, the head of Lockheed Martin. I got involved in that about a month ago. A... - Washington Post

01-31-2017 States Reconsider Driver’s License Suspensions for People With Drug Convictions When Shane Bradwell got out of jail in 2011, he knew he would have a hard time getting a job, so he decided to start a house-painting business. But he quickly ran into a roadblock: Massachusetts suspended his driver’s license, not because he was a bad driver, but because of his drug... - Stateline.org

01-31-2017 Street renamed in remembrance of fallen police officer UPPER DARBY >> A stretch of Lansdowne Avenue that runs between Upper Darby High School and Arlington Cemetery will soon go by a new name in remembrance of a fallen police officer. It’s been 15 years since Officer Dennis McNamara of the Upper Darby Police Department was killed in the line of duty, and his family continues... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

01-31-2017 Map: 21 roundabouts operating, under consideration or rejected in Lancaster County While no roundabouts have been approved for major highways in Lancaster County, at least eight are operating on smaller streets and roads, and six others are planned or under consideration. Meanwhile, at least seven proposed roundabouts have been rejected here in... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

01-31-2017 Old Craighead bridge nearing the end The current iteration of the Craighead Bridge will be demolished in the spring or early summer if no buyer comes forward in the coming weeks, according to the county. Although potential buyers have been reported, nothing has moved forward in any serious fashion, according to county Planning Director Kirk Stoner.... - Carlisle Sentinel

01-31-2017 Lyft, CabbyGo apply for permanent PUC licenses in PA Ride-hailing service Uber might be the first company to receive a new transportation network license from the Pennsylvania Utility Commission, but it's unlikely to be the last. Already two other companies -- Lyft and Mechanicsburg-based CabbyGo -- have applied for permanent status to operate... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-31-2017 Wise elected chairman of local airport authority FALLS CREEK – Rick Wise will pilot the Clearfield-Jefferson Counties Regional Airport Authority through the next two years. During the election of officers at the authority’s reorganization meeting Friday, the authority retained Wise as chairman and Jay Chamberlin... - DuBois Courier-Express

01-31-2017 Immigrants turned away at Philly airport sue Trump, seek immediate entry to U.S. Lawyers for seven immigrants detained and sent home from Philadelphia International Airport last weekend sued the Trump administration Tuesday, arguing that they should be flown back to America immediately. In a filing in federal court in Philadelphia, the lawyers said the two... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-30-2017 SEPTA Board Approves Second-Generation Sustainability Plan (Press Release)

01-30-2017 Leak above Point State Park’s reflecting pool has returned The chronic problem of water leaking from the Portal Bridge over Point State Park to the reflecting pool walkway underneath has returned. The water, which can cause particular problems for pedestrians in the winter if it freezes, has caused the state Department of Conservation and... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-30-2017 Construction begins on $700 million Southern Beltway After decades of talk and planning and design, major construction will begin this week on the 4- mile section of the Southern Beltway between Quicksilver Road and Route 22 near Pittsburgh International Airport. Crews from Independence Excavating of Cleveland and its subcontractors have... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-30-2017 'Yinz are welcome here': Crowds at Pittsburgh airport protest Trump's travel ban At least 200 people joined by Mayor Bill Peduto filled the baggage claim area of Pittsburgh International Airport Sunday afternoon — not to retrieve any luggage, but to lay claim to a different attitude toward foreigners from the one espoused by President Donald Trump.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-30-2017 More than 300 protest Trump's immigration ban at Pittsburgh International Airport More than 300 people marched around Pittsburgh International Airport's baggage-claim area Sunday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump's travel ban. "The America we believe in is one that welcomes everyone - it doesn't turn away anyone because of fear ... This ban is fundamentally antithetical to... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-30-2017 Trump travel ban sows chaos at airports, outrage at protests NEW YORK - President Donald Trump's immigration order sowed more chaos and outrage across the country Sunday, with travelers detained at airports, panicked families searching for relatives, and protesters registering opposition to the sweeping measure that was blocked by several federal... - AP

01-30-2017 All PHL detainees released; huge airport crowd protests Trump's immigration order All migrants detained overnight at Philadelphia International Airport under President Trump’s executive order banning certain refugees and immigrants from entering the country were released Sunday, as continued protests drew thousands of demonstrators and opprobrium from a growing list... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-30-2017 'No hate. No fear': Thousands protest Trump's immigration order at Philadelphia International Airport An estimated 5,000 people jammed the International Arrivals hall at Philadelphia International Airport Sunday, protesting President Trump's executive order on immigration. Officials at the

airport say the crowd was so large, it filled the hall and forced protesters into the baggage claim... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-30-2017 POLL: Would you use the new service offered by OurBus? OurBus, a company with an Uber-like business model, plans to offer cheap bus fares from the Lehigh Valley to New York City starting in February. OurBus, which sells tickets only via its website and a smartphone app, plans to launch its service Feb. 6 with one round trip a day, leaving New... - Allentown Morning Call

01-30-2017 Pennsylvania officials condemn Trump's travel ban order As protests continued and Pennsylvania officials condemned President Donald Trump's travel ban on refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations, advocates said several people detained after arrival at Philadelphia International Airport were being released... - AP

01-30-2017 Fatal alcohol crashes decline while drugged fatals see increase A father biked to visit his child. A widow drove to her husband’s grave. A son took a motorcycle ride on a spring morning. Their lives were disconnected, save a common thread. Each, and five others in Lackawanna County, died in car crashes last year where police believe... - Scranton Times

01-30-2017 Safety worth experiment Smile if you don’t slow down before entering a speed-restricted construction zone on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and interstate highways. There’s a good chance your picture will be taken. The state Senate Transportation Committee voted Jan. 24 for a five-year... - Scranton Times

01-30-2017 2 Reading Regional Airport Authority employees get raises Bern Township, Pa. The Reading Regional Airport Authority has voted 5-0 to approve retroactive raises for two key employees and create a new position. Airport Manager Terry P. Sroka's annual salary was increased $2,200 to $115,500, and Chief Financial Officer Brandy M. Sterner's salary was raised... - Reading Eagle

01-30-2017 Protesters take to Pittsburgh airport to voice opposition to Trump's immigrant ban FINDLAY TWP. – About 150 people went to the Pittsburgh International Airport Sunday to protest President Donald Trump’s controversial ban on immigrants and refugees. According to Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, who chronicled the protest on social media, the protesters shouted chants of “no hate, no fear, yinz... - Beaver County Times

01-30-2017 Stroud residents fight against neighbor's helicopter Residents took to the township planning commission to express concern over an excavating business' helicopter landings. The Stroud Township planning commission had one of its more interesting agenda items play out at their most recent meeting - a group of residents... - Pocono Record

01-30-2017 Who owns this Bushkill bridge? A sign posted at the bridge on Winona Falls Road in Bushkill warns drivers not to exceed a weight of 29 tons. That could pose a problem for Bushkill Volunteer Fire Company, which stores some of its largest vehicles just a mile away. Members of the fire company have tried contacting the bridge's owner.... - Pocono Record

01-30-2017 Reader-suggested sites for new roundabouts (editorial) Hey, York County Planning Department and PennDOT. Take a look. What do you think? Where do you think there should be roundabouts?(Photo: Sean Heisey, York Daily Record)Buy Photo A recent editorial lauded the news that the number of traffic roundabouts (or circles) is growing in Pennsylvania.... - York Daily

01-30-2017 Part of highway dedicated to longtime educator PICTURE ROCKS — A memorial highway dedication in honor of the late Thomas A. Paternostro was held at George A. Ferrell Elementary on Sunday afternoon, drawing in dozens of people who turned out to celebrate the lifelong educator and former East Lycoming School District superintendent.... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

01-30-2017 Part of highway dedicated to longtime educator KATELYN HIBBARD/Sun-Gazette A section of Route 220 was dedicated to Thomas A. Paternostro in honor of his hard work, passion and kindness, known by many throughout the East Lycoming Area School District and beyond. His wife, Marthalie, shown touching the memorial sign, stood with her children... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

01-30-2017 NON-COMPLIANT STATE: Legislature’s decision to buck federal law may affect air travel Domestic travel may become more difficult for Pennsylvanians a year from now. After Jan. 22, 2018, driver licenses issued by the state will no longer be an acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. To avoid problems, local lawmakers and the county prothonotary suggest people... - Williamsport Sun-Gazette

01-30-2017 What's new with the Middletown Amtrak station project? The new Amtrak station in Middletown is moving forward, as PennDOT announced the name of a company interested in the parking and commercial development portion of the project. Keystone Connections, a consortium of six partners, is the group that PennDOT will be working with to develop parking and businesses on the 8.3... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-30-2017 Disorder at Airports as Travelers Are Detained Without Lawyers Among those with ailments were an Iranian couple who had arrived in Los Angeles on visitors’ visas. The man, in his late 60s, had been through two open-heart operations, and he and his wife, in her late 50s, were both diabetic. After arriving at the airport on Saturday afternoon, they were... - New York Times

01-30-2017 Trenton's Route 29 among 10 worst urban highways in U.S., report says TRENTON -- A group has named Trenton's Route 29 to its top 10 list of "Freeways Without Futures," saying the highway should be torn down to make way for a more pedestrian-friendly boulevard. Congress for the New Urbanism, a nonprofit based in Chicago and Washington,... - Trenton Times

01-30-2017 Technology advancements made in Somereset The future of how dump trucks operate may change thanks to new technology designed through a Somerset County business. The state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) now has a snow plow truck that no longer needs to raise its dump bed to release anti-skid on the... - Somerset Daily

01-30-2017 Regional traffic study moving forward Regional planners learned this week that funding for a regional traffic study has been secured and they must now decide what they want it to study. Each year, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, a semi-official government agency looking at issues for the entire... - Phoenixville News

01-30-2017 Thousands protest Trump’s travel ban at Philadelphia International Airport PHILADELPHIA >> From political leaders to relatives of Holocaust survivors to church members wanting to house Syrian refugees, thousands of people converged at the Philadelphia International Airport Sunday afternoon to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order banning millions of... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

01-30-2017 Remember, SEPTA Regional Rail changes in effect PHILADELPHIA >> Following up on the December 2016 Regional Rail schedule change to enhance service reliability, SEPTA is embarking on a second round of schedule changes that will focus on addressing congestion, continued implementation of Positive Train Control and train run times. The new SEPTA... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

01-30-2017 ‘Let Them In’: Thousands Gather At Philly Airport To Protest Trump’s Travel Ban PHILADELPHIA (CBS/AP) — Thousands of people have gathered at Philadelphia International Airport to protest President Donald Trump’s travel ban. The protesters began waving signs and chanting “Let them in!” and other slogans Sunday afternoon. Those in attendance were joined by Mayor Jim Kenney, Congressman Bob Brady,... - KYW News Radio 1060

01-30-2017 ‘An Important Victory Against Hate’: Mayor Kenney Confirms Release Of Detainees From Airport PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Several people who were being held at Philadelphia International Airport under President Trump’s travel ban have been released, Mayor Jim Kenney confirmed on Sunday. The president’s executive order, barring immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days,... - KYW News Radio 1060

01-30-2017 Lycoming Engines plans $12M expansion WILLIAMSPORT — The only remaining American-owned manufacturer of piston airplane engines is expanding. Lycoming Engines in Williamsport Tuesday revealed a $12 million project that will result in 33 to 36 new jobs and the retention of approximately 400, the company said.... - Lock Haven Express

01-30-2017 East Brady Trail Town Initiative enters second year The East Brady Trail Town Initiative, a committee under the East Brady Area Development Corporation (EBADC) is entering its second year. The team kicked off their trail town meeting and town assessment in January 2016. At that time priorities were established and sub- committees set-up.... - Kittanning Leader-Times

01-30-2017 Local airport authority ratifies sale of vehicle FALLS CREEK – Sold! At the Clearfield-Jefferson Counties Regional Airport Authority meeting Friday, airport manager Robert W. Shaffer reported on the sale of the old snow removal vehicle. “We were able to sell to another municipality, North East Township supervisors, up by Erie,” Shaffer told the authority members.... - DuBois Courier-Express

01-30-2017 Protests against Trump's immigration order erupt at Philadelphia International Airport The highway to the international arrivals gate at Philadelphia International Airport was backed up with cars at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, but most people weren’t headed to catch flights. Instead, they sat in the traffic so they could attend one of the nationwide... - Daily Pennsylvanian

01-30-2017 Sen. Pat Toomey weighs in on President Trump's immigration order Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey weighed in Monday on President Donald Trump's immigration order, saying he supports the decision to temporarily suspend entry to the U.S. but viewed the initial order as "too broad and poorly explained." Toomey praised the administration's clarification on the executive order... - Allentown Morning Call

01-30-2017 Bob Casey presses DHS on how immigration order was carried out in Philly U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is pressing for answers from the Department of Homeland Security on the procedures implemented at the Philadelphia International Airport this weekend, including those that resulted in two Syrian familes bound for Allentown being sent home.... - Allentown Morning Call

01-30-2017 Barletta: foreign nationals do not have the right to unfettered admission to the U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pa., on Monday afternoon provided additional perspective on President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning refugees from seven majority Muslim nations. Barletta said in a written statement: "In a sense, the reaction from some quarters to President Trump's executive... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-30-2017 New Jersey senators: defunding eyed in travel ban dispute New Jersey's Democratic senators say there's a move to consider defunding the departments that are carrying out President Donald Trump's executive order banning travelers from seven Muslim countries... - AP

01-30-2017 In letter, CMU president gets personal about immigration Some students and scholars at local universities are among those affected by President Donald Trump's executive order banning entry into the United States from several predominantly Muslim nations, but many academics are speaking out against the executive order.... - Pittsburgh Post- Gazette

01-30-2017 State's GOP lawmakers respond to Trump's order on immigration After remaining silent for much of the weekend, Republican members of Western Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation have begun responding to President Donald Trump's controversial executive order on immigration from Muslim-majority countries. The order indefinitely bars refugees from Syria, and greatly restricts... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-29-2017 State uses emergency communication system on the turnpike Pennsylvania Turnpike and emergency management officials learned one thing when they used the state’s new emergency communication system for the first three times: Stranded motorists will sign up to participate in the system. The turnpike used the system for the first three times in the past eight... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-29-2017 Petition started to rename Pittsburgh airport Fred Rogers International Airport A Pittsburgh man has started a change.org petition to change the name of the Pittsburgh International Airport to the Fred Rogers International Airport. Ian Miller’s petition, posted Thursday afternoon, already had more than 10,000 signatures Saturday morning.... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-29-2017 Allegheny County officials gets public input on Shaler bridge design Users of a deteriorating bridge on Elfinwild Road in Shaler got the opportunity recently to tell Allegheny County officials their feelings about its replacement. During a Jan. 24 public hearing on the project, the public got to see the preliminary plans for the county-owned bridge, scheduled for replacement in... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-29-2017 New antenna system to decrease dropped calls in tunnels Pittsburgh drivers soon can expect fewer dropped calls when traveling through the Fort Pitt, Liberty and Squirrel Hill tunnels. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint are funding the installation of a distributed antenna system in the tunnels, which will bring enhanced cell... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-29-2017 I-70 ramp closures set in Washington County Ramp closures off Interstate 70 at Route 481 in Washington County will start Monday and continue through Feb. 16, PennDOT announced. A section of Route 481 near the ramp in Fallowfield Township will also be closed nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. during that period.... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-29-2017 Shuster set to address infrastructure needs at Congressional hearing U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster will hold a congressional hearing next week about finding more money to

improve the nation's crumbling roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. “With infrastructure on the front burner of the policy debate both in Congress and within the Trump administration, Chairman Shuster wants to... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-29-2017 Brake lights, sharp turns, and sudden stops on Bucks County's crash-prone Street Road There’s probably a Street Road in your town. Where you live it’s called something else, but you’ve driven these miles of mismatched commerce -- Kohls, Kmart, and Golden Corral sharing a streetscape with motels, churches, and family businesses ensconced in old... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-29-2017 Closed Delaware River crossing latest woe for region with hundreds of problem bridges The Delaware River Bridge was not one inspectors thought they had to worry about. The steel- truss bridge was in fact undergoing a $61 million upgrade. Evaluated in 2014 on its three key components -- deck, substructure, and superstructure -- the 60-year-old bridge got passing marks in all three.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-29-2017 2 Christian Syrian families detained at PHL, returned to Qatar; other migrants detained at PHL Several travelers detained at Philadelphia International Airport under President Trump’s executive order banning certain refugees and immigrants from entering the country are expected to be released from custody Sunday morning and admitted into the United States, their lawyers... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-29-2017 PennDOT workers help refurbish Habitat for Humanity house in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania Department of Transportation employees showed support for the Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, when they volunteered their time and home improvement skills at a restoration project, spending the day swinging hammers, operating saws, installing windows, insulating... - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

01-29-2017 Washington County interchanges among busiest in nation Washington County interchanges among busiest in nation - Uniontown Herald-Standard

01-29-2017 Gov. Tom Wolf to detained immigrants at Philadelphia airport 'you are welcome here' Gov. Tom Wolf was among the politicians on hand to address the crowd of people who gathered at Philadelphia International Airport on Saturday night to protest the detention of five immigrants held there by customs officials abiding by President Trump's executive order.... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-29-2017 Five immigrants being detained at Philadelphia airport, two other families sent back to Qatar Two Syrian families were detained Saturday morning at Philadelphia International Airport and sent back to Qatar while five others are reported to being detained at the airport Saturday night as a result of President Trump's executive order on refugees and immigrants.... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-29-2017 Trump's travel ban is creating chaos - don't expect him to back down: Aaron Blake President Donald Trump's executive order to immediately deny entry to the United States to citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries has led to impassioned demonstrations at airports, international denunciations and even criticism from some fellow Republicans. It has

also suffered two early... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-29-2017 Rate hike dispute between Amtrak, PPL not speeding toward a conclusion The dispute between PPL Electric Utilities and Amtrak over a proposed rate hike to cover upgrades to a Lancaster County substation does not appear to be speeding toward a resolution anytime soon. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission last week decided to suspend... - Allentown Morning Call

01-29-2017 Protest Grows ‘Out of Nowhere’ at Kennedy Airport After Iraqis Are Detained It began in the morning, with a small crowd chanting and holding cardboard signs outside Kennedy International Airport, upset by the news that two Iraqi refugees had been detained inside because of President Trump’s executive order. By the end of the day, the scattershot group had swelled to an enormous... - New York Times

01-29-2017 Trump's proposed refugee policy could cost American lives On Sept. 13, 2007, President George W. Bush addressed the Iraqi people as he spoke about the nation the U.S. had invaded roughly four years earlier. “To the Iraqi people: You have voted for freedom, and now you are liberating your country from terrorists and death squads,” Bush said.... - Los Angeles Times

01-27-2017 Allegheny River, Montour Trail hailed for drawing attention to state's natural assets Western Pennsylvania is being recognized off the beaten path. During the last three weeks, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has designated the Allegheny River as Pennsylvania’s River of the Year, and the Montour Trail was dubbed the state’s Trail... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-27-2017 Laurels & Lances Lance: To skirting the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. For years, Allegheny County Council's Democrat majority has held unadvertised, closed caucus meetings like one on Jan. 16. There, a council quorum — eight of 14 members — seemingly made filling a vacant seat with a former Carnegie... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-27-2017 Engineer in fatal Philly crash sues Amtrak The engineer who drove the Amtrak train that derailed in Philadelphia in 2015, killing eight people, has sued the railroad company, alleging that it failed to provide a safe work environment after a nearby train was reportedly hit by a projectile minutes before his crash.... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-27-2017 'Oh! Man!' the foreman cried, minutes after an Amtrak train killed two workers in Chester It was 7:51 a.m. last April 3, and an Amtrak train had just derailed in Chester, killing two workers on the tracks. The foreman on duty called a dispatcher, trying to grasp how a train could have been traveling on tracks he believed to be secure. They weren't, the dispatcher said. The tracks had... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-27-2017 'Major' construction projects to begin this year at Harrisburg International Airport Harrisburg International Airport announced Thursday there will be a number of "major construction projects" in the coming year at the airport in Lower Swatara Township. They include: a Fairfield Inn and Suites, a new corporate hanger, and a new facility that will serve corporate and general aviation... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-27-2017 Feds cite lax safety culture in 2016 Amtrak crash that killed 2 PHILADELPHIA -- The engineer of an Amtrak train that slammed into a backhoe near Philadelphia last April, killing two workers, tested positive for marijuana after the crash, according to investigative documents released Thursday that pointed to a lax safety culture at the railroad.... - Harrisburg Patriot-News

01-27-2017 Rate hike dispute between Amtrak, PPL not speeding toward a conclusion The dispute between PPL Electric Utilities and Amtrak over a proposed rate hike to cover upgrades to a Lancaster County substation does not appear to be speeding toward a resolution anytime soon. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission last week decided to suspend... - Allentown Morning Call

01-27-2017 Ride-hailing service Lyft arrives in Erie The Uber competitor included Erie as part of a 40-city expansion announced this week. Another ride-hailing service has come to the Erie area. The San Francisco-based company Lyft, which connects people with rides through a smartphone app, included the region in a coverage expansion that... - Erie Times-News

01-27-2017 Army spokesman can't confirm Montgomery locks project on Trump's radar The Pittsburgh office of the Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday it could not validate or confirm a report that listed the Montgomery Locks and Dam in Industry as a high-priority infrastructure project for new President Donald Trump. A list surfaced earlier this week that purported to show the top 50... - Beaver County Times

01-27-2017 Bill to name bridge for slain officer advances A bill to dedicate a local bridge to honor slain Canonsburg police Officer Scott Bashioum has been reported out of the House Transportation Committee and now moves to the House for further consideration, said state Rep. Brandon Neuman, D- North Strabane, the legislation’s sponsor.... - Washington Observer-Reporter

01-27-2017 Jackson Township power plant work to begin in spring Site work will begin this spring on a $900 million gas-fired Jackson Township power plant after township supervisors approved the final site development plans Thursday. The approval for CPV Fairview Energy Center near Vinco came two weeks after county officials learned another developer had pulled the plug on a... - Johnstown Tribune-Democrat

01-27-2017 New PennDOT snowplow uses a horizontal ejector to spread materials Snowplow operators have to concentrate on multiple things: driving the truck, using the primary plow and the wing plow and operating the spreader. "A lot goes on in the cab," said Joe Kelemen, manager of the Somerset County maintenance district office for the Pennsylvania Department of... - Somerset Daily

01-27-2017 Virginia GOP lawmakers threaten to derail Metro safety body — but maybe only temporarily RICHMOND — Virginia House Republicans placed a roadblock in the path to creating a new Metro oversight body Thursday, but both GOP and Democratic leaders said there is plenty of time left in the legislative session to reverse the move. A House Transportation subcommittee voted along party lines for an... - Washington Post

01-27-2017 Closed Delaware River bridge will soon have 80-foot temporary supports The closed bridge that links the New Jersey and Pennsylvania turnpikes will soon be supported by eight, 80-foot support towers as part of the emergency work to repair a crack in a steel support beam, officials said. Authorities shut down the span last Friday after inspectors examining a... - Trenton Times

01-27-2017 More Lancaster County gas stations are selling 'cleaner' fuel; Here's what you need to know at the pump Sheetz has begun offering gasoline with higher blends of ethanol at some Lancaster County stores. More Lancaster County gas stations are starting to offer “cleaner” gasoline that contains higher concentrations of alcohol. Two gasoline-ethanol blends, Unleaded15 and E85, are now

available at four... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

01-27-2017 New construction projects, demolitions planned this year at Harrisburg International Airport Three major construction projects this year will change the landscape at Harrisburg International Airport. Projects include a new hotel, a corporate aircraft hangar and a Fixed Base Operator facility to serve corporate and general aviation users, according to a statement issued Thursday by the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport... - Lancaster Intelligencer Journal

01-27-2017 Feds cite lax safety culture in Amtrak crash that killed 2 in April 2016 PHILADELPHIA >> The engineer of an Amtrak train that slammed into a backhoe near Philadelphia last April, killing two workers, tested positive for marijuana after the crash, according to investigative documents released Thursday that pointed to a lax safety culture at the railroad... - AP

01-27-2017 Pols push access to SEPTA key cards for seniors UPPER PROVIDENCE >> Despite delays in the SEPTA key card rollout, two local legislators wanted to make the process of obtaining one a little easier for senior constituents. State Sen. Tom McGarrigle, R-26, of Springfield and state Rep. Chris Quinn, R-168, of Middletown, held a SEPTA Senior Key Photo day at the Upper... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

01-27-2017 Letter to the Editor: No time to celebrate delay on RealID To the Times: As Washington, D.C. is attempting to bridge a deep partisan divide, Pennsylvania is starting this year on a different note as both sides of the aisle are united in fixing a problem that has been creeping up on us for years. In a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, Gov. Tom Wolf joined... - Primos Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times

01-27-2017 Regional traffic study moving forward Regional planners learned this week that funding for a regional traffic study has been secured and they must now decide what they want it to study. Each year, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, a semi-official government agency looking at issues for the entire... - Pottstown Mercury

01-27-2017 Information Released On 2016 Chester Amtrak Derailment PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Federal investigators note an “overall lax safety culture” at the railway work site in Chester where a deadly Amtrak crash happened last spring. It’s part of several thousand pages of documents detailing the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.... - KYW News Radio 1060

01-27-2017 Seniors for Safe Driving class to be held Seniors for Safe Driving, which holds highway safety education programs for drivers 55 years of age and older, has scheduled the following one-day refresher classes at St. Andrew’s Village in White Township: • Monday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.... - Indiana Gazette

01-27-2017 T riders to access free WiFi at 7 'high-volume' light-rail stations in Pittsburgh Light-rail riders soon will be able to access WiFi while waiting for the T, as part of a seven-year agreement the Port Authority of Allegheny Country approved this morning. The non-exclusive agreement allows Comcast to install "hotspots" at seven, high-volume light-rail stations in

Station Square, Downtown and the North... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-27-2017 Project seeks to give local trail new lease on life FALLS CREEK – It’s been 20 years since work began to build the Clarion-Little Toby Rail Trail. Over the years, it’s been popular. “People come from all over to use it,” said Dale Fox, who is a founding board member, along with key players George Miller and Dave Love,... - DuBois Courier-Express

01-27-2017 Port Authority to offer WiFi access at 7 Pittsburgh light-rail stations Free WiFi internet access will soon be available to T riders at seven stations, from Allegheny in the North Side to Station Square in the South Side. Comcast XFinity plans to have the service running, at no cost to the Port Authority, by June, according to a news release from the transportation... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-27-2017 No more lost calls in the tunnels: Enhanced wireless service available in Squirrel Hill and Liberty tunnels Enhanced wireless service is available for most users in the Liberty and Squirrel Hill tunnels and should be available by the end of April in the Fort Pitt Tunnel, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said today. Four wireless providers — AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon —... - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

01-27-2017 Infrastructure funding needs to be addressed at Congressional hearing U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Bedford County, has scheduled a congressional hearing for next week to discuss the need for more funding to improve the nation's crumbling roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Shuster, whose district includes Fayette and Indiana counties and parts of... - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

01-27-2017 OurBus to offer cheap fares from Lehigh Valley cities to New YorkNew York bus options New company offering cheap bus rides from Allentown to New York. A start-up bus company that wants to do for buses what ridesharing service Uber has done for taxis, plans to offer cheap fares from the Lehigh Valley to New York City starting in February, introducing competition for Bieber... - Allentown Morning Call

01-27-2017 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic called off for 2017 The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, the professional bike race known for its grueling climb up the Manayunk Wall, has been called off for this year. "We're taking a break in 2017," the race website says. G4 Productions, the event-production company in charge of the race, indicated that the decision... - Philadelphia Inquirer

01-27-2017 Brake lights, sharp turns, and sudden stops on Bucks County's crash-prone Street Road There’s probably a Street Road in your town. The 1900 stretch of Street Road at the intersection of Hulmeville Road in Bensalem, PA, January 19, 2017. Slideshow icon SLIDESHOW Brake lights, sharp turns, and sudden stops on Bucks County's crash-prone Street Road... - Philadelphia Inquirer