Organization releases report on transportation challenges in southwest Pennsylvania

The Southwest Partnership for Mobility recently released a report on the challenges facing the region’s transportation system.

The report is intended to be used by the state’s elected officials as they plan statewide funding. In the report, the partnership highlights challenges and opportunities, identifies funding options, and urges the state legislature to address the region’s needs.

The partnership was established last year. It formed a cross-sector advisory council consisting of local elected officials, transportation agencies, civic leaders and employers.

“Transportation infrastructure, including transit, is such an important part of our economy in this region and it’s one that we cannot ignore, or try to work around. Doing nothing is the most expensive option that we have right now,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said. “We’re proud of our region’s growth and the opportunities here, and we are committed to addressing transit and transportation funding so we can continue that growth and ensure that everyone in our community has access to those opportunities. This report makes those arguments for the legislature and outlines options for their consideration. We look forward to working with them on this important issue.”

The partnership includes Fitzgerald; Katharine Kelleman, Port Authority of Allegheny County CEO; and Leslie Richards, state Department of Transportation secretary and Turnpike Commission chairwoman.