Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) has announced her support for legislation aimed at funding critical transportation infrastructure projects in Pennsylvania by utilizing a portion of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, rather than relying on borrowing.
Gaydos is co-sponsoring the bill introduced by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), which proposes allocating $2.5 billion from the Rainy Day Fund over five years. The plan would direct $500 million per year to PennDOT for repairing weight-restricted and structurally deficient bridges, with some funds available for highway projects as well.
“With the state budget now more than six weeks overdue, the House was called back to Harrisburg on Sunday, Aug. 10, not to vote on a budget that would keep schools, hospitals, counties and nonprofits funded, but instead to take up a flawed transportation plan that borrows against taxpayers and diverts more sales tax revenue to mass transit,” said Gaydos. “Rather than wasting $500 million in bonded debt that taxpayers would repay with interest for decades, we should use a portion of our $7 billion Rainy Day Fund to fix our bridges and roads now. This is a commonsense solution that provides safe infrastructure without saddling taxpayers with unnecessary borrowing.”
According to PennDOT, there are currently more than 2,100 bridges in poor condition across Pennsylvania. Over 400 bridges are weight restricted and 32 are closed due to structural issues. Gaydos pointed out the risks associated with delayed repairs.
“We have already seen the devastating consequences of aging infrastructure, most notably the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh,” Gaydos added. “Pennsylvanians deserve to know their daily commutes are safe. I can think of no better use for a portion of our Rainy Day Fund than ensuring the safety and reliability of the bridges that people depend on every day.”
Recently, the Senate advanced a temporary budget bill intended to provide $47.6 billion in funding at last year’s spending levels while negotiations continue on a final budget agreement. However, House Democrats opposed this measure and instead supported additional borrowing.
“This was a missed opportunity to provide immediate relief and stability while negotiations continue,” said Gaydos. “Pennsylvanians deserve solutions, not more gridlock. That is why I am proud to support this legislation to responsibly invest in our infrastructure while protecting taxpayers.”
The proposed legislation has not yet been assigned to a House committee for review.
