AASHTO Journal - Pennsylvania to Disburse $30M in Multimodal Funding

Roughly 27 highway, bridge, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects in 23 Pennsylvania counties are slated to receive $30.2 million from that state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF).

[Above photo by PennDOT.]

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – which administers the MTF – said several of those projects will help local governments address bridges and roadways in need of repair or replacement.

“Transportation is critical to connecting communities and economies, and we are an important partner in bringing progress across the state,” Governor Tom Wolf (D) noted in a statement. “These investments will improve overall mobility and safety while bolstering commercial projects.”

“Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, transportation is integral to our quality of life,” added Yassmin Gramian, PennDOT’s secretary. “These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”

Pennsylvania established the MTF via Act 89 seven years ago to help “stabilize” funding for ports and rail freight, increase aviation investments, establish dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and allow targeted funding for priority investments in any mode.

Eligible applicants for MTF monies include municipalities, council of governments, business/non-profit organizations, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, public airports, airport authorities, and ports and rail entities. PennDOT noted that MTF projects typically should coordinate local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities.

In a related effort, Gov. Wolf extended Pennsylvania’s Intermodal Cargo Growth Incentive Program or PICGIP effort – designed to help increase cargo activity by incentivizing shippers to move cargo through Pennsylvania ports and previously slated to end in June this year – through 2022.

Originally established in 2015 via the MTF, the PICGIP – administered by PennDOT – makes up to $1 million available annually to participating ocean carriers that move cargo through Pennsylvania’s ports.

“Right now, Pennsylvania’s ports are more vital than ever,” the governor said in a statement. “Increasing shipping activity will help ensure that essential goods are delivered to stores in a timely manner, while strengthening the supply chain well into the future.”