Sen. Lisa M. Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton) expressed disappointment following a recent announcement by transportation officials that the planned Route 22 expansion project would be placed on indefinite delay pending future funding.
“I was extremely disappointed to learn that the much-needed expansion of Route22 has been indefinitely delayed as [a] result of changes made at [the] federal level and their inaction to adequately fund highway infrastructure,” Boscola said. “The Route 22 expansion project is the most important highway project currently in the Lehigh Valley. If we want to continue to promote the Lehigh Valley as a place to start or locate your business, it is essential that our most important roadway can meet the demands to move people and goods. Anyone who tries to drive 22 during the morning or afternoon peak hours knows to expect delays, and it is only getting worse.”
Earlier this year, it was announced that the Lehigh Valley’s transportation funding would decrease by 26 percent as part of its 12-year transportation plan, from approximately $1.1 billion to roughly $750 million. The National Highway Performance Program also saw significant decreases in funding, Boscola said.
“It is my understanding that in previous transportation plans drafted following the passage of Act 89, PennDOT and local transportation planners made funding decisions under the expectation of federal action to further enhance funding for highway projects,” Boscola said. “Unfortunately, the federal government’s funding decisions and inaction has put our Commonwealth and the Lehigh Valley in a precarious situation in meeting our highway needs. It is critical that Pennsylvania officials work together to get the Route 22 expansion project back on track.”
Boscola also noted that she drafted a Senate Resolution that calls for the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank at the federal level to ensure highway projects such as Route 22 receive the funding they need. She stated that she plans to introduce the resolution soon.