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HARRISBURG, June 28, 2006 – Legislation that would increase road
maintenance funding to Pennsylvania’s municipalities is headed to the
governor’s desk, where it is likely to earn approval, according to state
Sen. J. Barry Stout.
“Local governments have taken over responsibility for many miles of state
roads, which means more state money saved for construction and major highway
maintenance,” said Stout (D-Washington/Greene/
Beaver/Allegheny/Westmoreland). “I applaud my colleagues for supporting
legislation that will help these municipalities that have stepped up to the
plate and are struggling financially with escalating road maintenance
costs.”
House Bill 248 will make changes to the State Highway Transfer Program
(also known as the Turnback Program). The legislature created this program
in 1981 to encourage the state to turn back smaller, less-traveled roads to
municipal governments for upkeep. Currently, roads that are turned back
receive an annual maintenance payment of $2,500. With enactment of House
Bill 248, the reimbursement rate will rise to $4,000.
In the 46th Senate District, there are over 108,000 miles of roads that have
been turned back to local municipalities for maintenance.
The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and Pennsylvania
State Association of Boroughs have been vocal supporters of this legislation
because expenses associated with highway maintenance – asphalt, concrete,
fuel – have all risen in recent years.
The reimbursement rate change will not impact the state budget or any other
programs because the Turnback Program is financed through a dedicated
account, which is funded by the state Oil Franchise Tax.
House Bill 248 earned unanimous endorsement in the state Senate on June 22.
On June 27, the state House voted 198-1 to approve the legislation. Gov. Ed
Rendell is expected to sign the bill.
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