PennDOT seeks public comment on state transportation improvement plan

June 22 – WILKES-BARRE – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) this week invited public comment on the draft 2025 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The program consists of projects across the state that support the Shapiro Administration’s vision of a safe and reliable transportation network that connects Pennsylvanians to opportunities and services.

The comment period will remain open until July 3, 2024.

The draft STIP 2025 consists of a list of prioritized projects and identified project phases for federal, state, local and private funding over a four-year period for capital improvements and includes 23 regional Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs), the independent Wayne County TIP, and two statewide administered programs, the Interstate Management Program and the State Initiatives TIPs.

“Infrastructure that serves everyone requires everyone’s contribution,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Planning for the future of transportation infrastructure is a complex process and I encourage everyone to provide feedback and participate in this process.”

The draft, including an infographic that provides an overview of the STIP process, can be viewed at https://talkpatransportation.com/how-it-works/stip.

Comments can be submitted by completing the online comment form at TalkPATransportation.comor by emailing a fillable form to RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov.

The public can also call PennDOT to share their comments at 717-783-2262. If you have additional questions or challenges, contact PennDOT’s Bureau of Equal Opportunity to request assistance by emailing beodot@pa.gov or calling 717-787-5891; TTY (711).

The STIP constitutes the first four years of the 12-Year Program (TYP), Pennsylvania’s medium-term planning tool. The TYP lists planned projects and associated funding over the next 12 years.

State law requires PennDOT to prepare an updated Pennsylvania TYP every two years and submit it for adoption to the State Transportation Commission (STC). The draft STIP 2025 will be adopted as part of the TYP 2025 update by the CTE during the CTE business meeting on 14 August 2024.

Upon adoption of the 2025 TYP, PennDOT submits the draft 2025 STIP to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a 45-day federal review period.

Information about the state’s infrastructure and the results the department is delivering to Pennsylvanians can be found at www.pendot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at https://www.projects.pendot.gov.

Subscribe to local PennDOT news or statewide PennDOT news on the department’s website.

Representatives Kaufer and Kinkead will discuss bipartisan legalization of adult-use cannabis on Monday

Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Kingston, and Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, will join other lawmakers and stakeholders at a news conference at the Capitol on Monday to discuss the first comprehensive, bipartisan adult-use cannabis bill to be presented in the Chamber of Representatives.

His proposal would prioritize public safety, consumer protection, social equity and criminal justice reform.

Joining Kaufer and Kinkead will be Sen. Sharif Street, D-Philadelphia; Meredith Buettner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition; Michael O’Donnell, Northumberland County District Attorney; and others.

The press conference will be held at 10:30 am this Monday

,

June 24th,

at the Capitol Media Center, State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.

Earlier this week, Kaufer and Kinkead announced their intention to introduce the first comprehensive, bipartisan adult-use cannabis legalization bill in the state House of Representatives, prioritizing public safety, consumer protection, social equity and criminal justice reform.

Kaufer said Monday that a bill he is introducing highlights a commitment to responsible regulation of the cannabis industry while meeting the diverse needs of Pennsylvania communities.

“By prioritizing public safety and consumer protection, this legislation will build on the successful regulatory framework of the state’s medical cannabis program by continuing rigorous product quality, packaging and labeling standards to ensure the well-being of all consumers,” said Kaufer.

The two lawmakers said that by leveraging Pennsylvania’s robust medical cannabis program and agricultural infrastructure, the proposed legislation aims to promote job creation and generate significant tax revenue for the commonwealth, while also helping to eradicate the illicit market that plagues many communities.

“It is past time for the commonwealth to legalize cannabis for recreational use, address the injustices of the failed War on Drugs, and ensure that Pennsylvanians can benefit from this industry in the same way our neighboring states have,” Kinkead said. “Our bipartisan effort to provide specific language that follows best practices from other states is the next substantial step toward finally achieving this.”

Recognizing the potential of Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector, the bill provides broad opportunities for farmers to participate in the legal cannabis market.

By integrating cannabis cultivation into the state’s agricultural landscape, the legislation would not only support local farmers but also contribute to the growth of a sustainable and professionalized industry.

Representative Meuser co-sponsors resolution condemning liquefied natural gas ban

US Representative Dan MeuserR-Dallas this week co-sponsored H.Res.1303, condemning what he called a “politically motivated” ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to countries without a free trade agreement (FTA).

This resolution responds to President Joe Biden’s recent announcement of an indefinite ban on natural gas export licenses to countries not covered by the FTA, pending an analysis of the climate impact.

Annually, Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry supports approximately 123,000 jobs and contributes more than $41 billion in economic activity.

Additionally, in 2023, $2.3 billion in royalties was paid to more than 186,000 beneficiaries in Pennsylvania from oil and natural gas royalties.

More than $193 million of these royalties are attributable to LNG exports. Despite studies demonstrating the positive impacts of U.S. LNG exports, including significant economic benefits and reduced emissions, Meuser said the Biden administration has “paused” permits to conduct further studies.

The resolution condemns the Administration’s suspension of LNG export licenses as reckless and harmful to the U.S. energy sector, calling for the immediate lifting of the ban to restore confidence and stability in this vital industry.

Furthermore, it urges prioritizing American workers and communities over partisan political agendas.

“The adverse impact of these energy policies is harmful to our economy and national security,” Meuser said. “By favoring partisan ideologies over results, the Biden administration is prioritizing Moscow over communities in our district like Montrose.”

Meuser said this pause in LNG export projects creates global uncertainty, harming America’s ability to leverage natural gas in the international market and undermining the economic and strategic benefits we offer to allies.

“I strongly support this resolution, reinforcing House Republicans’ dedication to advancing American energy,” Meuser said.

H.Res.1303 was referred to both the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Foreign Relations.

PBDA to Offer $20 Million Program to Provide Laptops to Libraries, Nonprofits and Community Institutions

Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced this week that the application period for the new Digital Connectivity Technology Program will be open from Thursday, June 20, through Monday. fair, August 19th.

Online registrations can be made through the PBDA website from June 20th.

Through the new program, PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million worth of laptops to eligible public institutions, such as libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other anchor community institutions located in areas where accessibility has have been identified as a barrier to the adoption and use of broadband, which will make it available to individuals who do not have the necessary technology to access the Internet.

The PBDA will begin reviewing Digital Connectivity Technology Program applications on August 20 and anticipates announcing grant awards in November. Projects are expected to begin in early 2025. Grant recipients are required to make digital skills training available through their own program or free options on the PBDA website, however, end users are not required to participate in a training program.

“We are working hard to provide the resources Pennsylvanians need to make ‘Internet for All’ a reality across the Commonwealth,” Carson said. “The Digital Connectivity Technology Program will provide libraries and other community institutions with the technology they need to give Pennsylvanians the internet access they need to achieve better health, education and economic outcomes.”

Contact Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.