For Immediate Release
April 7, 2008
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Senate Panel to Hear Testimony on Bill Authorizing
 Public-Private Transportation Partnerships in PA

The Senate Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing on proposed legislation that would allow the Commonwealth and regional transportation authorities to enter into public private partnerships to fund transportation maintenance and improvement projects, according to Committee Chairman Senator Roger Madigan (R-Bradford).

The hearing will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, in Senate Hearing Room #1 pm the North Office Building.

Senate Bill 1158 authorizes the State Transportation Commission, or other regional transportation authorities, to enter into agreements with private sector partners to construct, reconstruct, operate or maintain transportation facilities.  This can include express lanes on existing highways, new or expanded bridges, transit facilities and other transportation improvements.

Madigan said senators will seek input on the structure of successful public private partnerships in other states.

"We are hoping to shape the legislation to ensure that we create an authorizing statute that attracts private capital to PA infrastructure development," Madigan said.  "Many of these projects are not only important from an economic standpoint but will have environmental benefits as well."

CONTACT:

Craig Shuey
(717) 787-3280