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WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has a critical need for reform in transportation policy, having thousands of structurally deficient bridges, deteriorating road conditions, and mass transit systems frequently facing funding shortfalls; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission (TFAC) was established by Governor Tom Corbett in 2011 and tasked with finding solutions to the funding challenges facing the Commonwealth's transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the commission published a report in August 2011 which found opportunities to both raise revenue and strategically target expenditures to address the current transportation funding challenge so that Pennsylvania can adequately ensure the quality of the state's highways, bridges, transit systems, ports and other transportation facilities; and
WHEREAS, the governor has promised to introduce comprehensive transportation reform in this legislative session; and
WHEREAS, a dedicated source of transportation funding must be found that is sustainable, that will grow with our economy, and that promotes all modes of transportation; and
WHEREAS, as the legislature takes transportation policy into consideration this legislative session, it should be with the consideration to fix existing systems before building new ones and to invest where people live; and
WHEREAS, in supporting a robust transportation agenda, the state must protect public assets for the well-being of the residents of the Commonwealth and only undertake collaboration with the private sector which will enrich, and not raid, our public assets; and
WHEREAS, it is absolutely critical that the Legislature consider a real, permanent funding source for mass transportation across the Commonwealth so that the cycle of crises, cuts, and eleventh hour rescues can come to a close and we can strategically invest in growing our mass transit system in a way that promotes mobility and economic growth for all of the residents of our City.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Pittsburgh eagerly anticipates the introduction of comprehensive transportation reform in the state and strongly favors sensible legislation that promotes the interests of Pittsburghers.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor of Pennsylvania, the leadership of both chambers of the Legislature, and the Pittsburgh delegation to the Pennsylvania Legislature.