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.
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
FULL STORY: Pennsylvania bill would fund road and bridge work without tolls, new taxes

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie