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America Moving Forward Praises PA Turnpike Commission for Exploring Private Investment in Pittsburgh Area Roads August 20, 2008 Lack of State Funds Has Reached a Crisis Level – Innovative Solutions Are Needed to Build New Roads
Today, America Moving Forward (AMF), a non-profit coalition devoted to advancing innovative solutions to the funding crisis that is currently plaguing America’s infrastructure, released the following statement in support of the PA Turnpike Commission’s plan to meet with interested companies about their interest in financing, building and operating 50 miles of new toll roads south of Pittsburgh:
“Pennsylvania policymakers are smart to include private investment among the options for building these new roads,” said America Moving Forward Executive Director John M. Palatiello. “Given the state budget crunch, transportation projects across Pennsylvania are desperate for funds. This is one project where the private sector can increase the likelihood that the project is completed efficiently. By allowing private companies to shoulder the burden of building these new roads, Pennsylvania can put state resources toward other projects. Private investment in public infrastructure makes good financial and public policy sense.”
Pennsylvania’s infrastructure is in dire need of repair. Government-commissioned research suggests that nearly one-third of America’s bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete – including 5,913 bridges in Pennsylvania, the most of any state. In the last ten years, the average urban highway has seen an increase of nearly 5,000 daily drivers per lane. I-81’s Lackawana corridor already exceeds capacity by nearly 40,000 vehicles per day. By best estimates, it will take more than $185 billion to maintain the nation’s road systems over the next five years, but the Highway Trust Fund is projected to reach a negative balance by 2009. Pennsylvania currently spends more than $900 million dollars less than is needed each year just to maintain existing roads and bridges. According to the Governor’s Transportation Funding and Reform Commission, 8,528 of Pennsylvania’s more than 45,000 miles of state-maintained roads are in poor condition.
While public-private partnerships can take many forms, in all cases, companies must abide by built-in standards for maintenance and performance, and the state or public agency maintains ultimate control.
“Improving the transportation network south of Pittsburgh will improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. The state can keep high standards for efficiency and safety in place by instituting safeguards and maintaining ownership of the infrastructure. Private investment in public infrastructure is a simple solution to a complicated problem,” said Palatiello.
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America Moving Forward is committed to informing the public, industry and government about the benefits of public private partnerships. The coalition envisions a program of innovative partnerships between government, communities and the private sector. These partnerships will not only restore the reliability of American infrastructure, they will improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. For more information please go to www.americamovingforward.org. |
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AMF on the BBC
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