Commission updates 12-year transportation plan

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The State Transportation Commission recently updated its 12-Year Program, which provides insight into the funding that will be available for critical infrastructure improvements.

The program is a planning tool used to identify and prioritize transportation projects and the funding needed to complete them. All capital projects must be included in the program, and updates are required every two years under state law.

Over the next 12 years, the commission forecasts it will need $64.8 billion: $138 million for aviation, $228 million for rail freight, $321 million for multimodal projects, $9.4 billion for public transit, and $11.4 billion for state highway and bridge projects.

“Investments in transportation are critical for keeping our communities connected to the global economy,” Yassmin Gramian, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) secretary, said. “While additional investment in our large transportation network is certainly needed, PennDOT takes pride in being a responsible steward of federal, state, and local dollars to help improve infrastructure across all modes.”

PennDOT partnered with one county, four rural planning organizations, and 19 metropolitan planning organizations to review and develop the update.

The updated plan was submitted to the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration for review and approval.

The Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will determine if the plan conforms to air-quality requirements.

The updated program takes effect on Oct. 1.