3/18/08-A bill in the House Transportation Committee would fund road and bridge repairs by rerouting money from the state’s Motor License Fund that now is used by the State Police.
The state’s Department of Transportation 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 State Police receive $500 million annually from the fund. The money supplies about two-thirds of the total State Police budget.
Sponsored by Reps. Keith McCall, D-Lansford, and David Argall, R-Tamaqua, HB2309 would wean law enforcement off the fund. During the next 10 years, the patrol would receive $50 million less than the prior year. Instead, they 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. Each year after, PennDOT would get $500 million for those projects.
For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.