Pennsylvania Targets Local Bridge Funding Gap With New Fix
Pennsylvania lawmakers have approved two bills intended to clarify how counties can use state transportation funding for local bridge repairs, addressing concerns that unclear or restrictive rules may leave allocated money unspent.
Bills Target Motor Licensing Fund Rules
The measures, sponsored by Sen. Greg Rothman, R-34, would make state funding more readily available for local bridge projects. The funding is distributed to counties through the Motor Licensing Fund and is intended to support bridge repair and replacement work.
According to lawmakers, existing guidance has created uncertainty over which projects qualify for funding. In some cases, the rules may also be too inflexible or incomplete to address local bridge needs.
Changes to Act 13 Provisions
The legislation would amend Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and update provisions established under Act 13 of 2012. Those provisions limited state infrastructure funds allocated to local governments primarily to bridges designated as “at-risk and deteriorated.”
Lawmakers say the proposed changes would clarify the eligible uses of the funding and give counties greater flexibility to address local bridge repairs and replacements.
Potential Impact on Local Projects
The clarification could help municipalities and counties move forward with bridge work while allowing transportation dollars already allocated for that purpose to be used more effectively.
Pennsylvania counties and municipalities oversee numerous local bridges, including structures that support regional traffic, commercial operations and access to essential services. The bills’ approval marks the next step in addressing the funding restrictions, though additional action may be required before the changes take effect.
