A proposed long-term lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike could provide close to $1.7 billion a year -- funding the state's transit and road needs without the need for additional taxes.
"A long-term lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike could generate enough revenue on its own to meet public-transit and roads and bridges funding needs identified by the state, according to a report released on Monday.
A lease, which was pitched in Gov. Ed Rendell's proposed state budget and has won little favor with legislators, could raise an estimated $1.7 billion annually. It could also eliminate the need to fund transportation through other sources, including a new tax on oil companies proposed as part of the governor's budget plan.
In an analysis of three transportation funding options conducted by Morgan Stanley & Co., the lease came out on top, the governor said."
"With a June 30 budget deadline looming for the state general budget, the Port Authority, SEPTA and many state transit agencies, legislators are still at work on finding a solution to the state's transportation funding needs."
FULL STORY: Report says turnpike lease could fund public transit as well as roads needs

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

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.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont