Roads or Police?

A bi-partisan PA bill with considerable support seeks to redirect funds from the Motor License Fund, paid by motorists, that currently go to the State Police to roads. The police budget would have to compete with other needs from the general fund.

1 minute read

December 2, 2008, 8:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


The political attraction of the bill is that it funds state transportation without "new taxes or tolls" and without leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

"The state DOT controls the Motor License Fund, which is supported by the state's fuel tax, motor vehicle license and registration fees, as well as other fees. The money supplies about two-thirds of the total State Police budget ($500 million annually).

During the next 10 years, the patrol would receive $50 million less than the prior year. Instead, the State Police budget would gradually be funded out of the state's general fund..

As a result of changing the funding setup, the state's DOT would gain $2.75 billion during the next decade for such projects as road and bridge work. More than 50 House Democrats and Republicans added their names to the list of bill co-sponsors."

The bill – HB2309 – is in the House Transportation Committee. All legislation must be approved by both chambers prior to the end of the regular session, which is scheduled for Nov. 30."

Thanks to Marilyn Skolnick

Friday, November 21, 2008 in Land Line

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square