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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2011
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Senate Passes Rafferty Measure to Encourage Transportation
Public Private Partnerships
HARRISBURG – By a vote of 49 to 1, the Senate today approved legislation
sponsored by Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John Rafferty
(R-Montgomery) that would encourage the private sector to join with the
Commonwealth and local governments in funding transportation projects throughout
the state.
Senate Bill 344 would establish Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), which are
contractual agreements that allow for greater private sector participation in
the delivery and financing of transportation needs and improvements.
"In these tough economic times, P3s have been an innovative and
successful alternative to traditional funding sources in other states," Senator
Rafferty said. "P3s have a proven track record of relieving congestion and
encouraging infrastructure development – two areas of concern that we face in
Pennsylvania and need to address."
He said early involvement of the private sector can bring
creativity, efficiency and capital to address complex transportation problems
facing cash-strapped state and local governments.
A recent report by the U.S. Department of Transportation found
that more transportation public-private partnerships were completed over the
last three years than in any other compatible time period in history. According
to the report, more than 20 major highway and transit projects are currently
being conducted in partnership with the private sector at various stages of
development in the U.S.
Senator Rafferty said the establishment of P3s is especially
critical, given the transportation funding crisis in Pennsylvania.
"This bill isn't the answer to all of our state's transportation
problems, but it is an important step we can take now to start addressing those
concerns," Senator Rafferty said. "We've worked extensively with the House and
other parties in refining this bipartisan bill, and I look forward to seeing it
through the process and eventually into law."
Chairman Rafferty's SB 344 would:
- Provide for Public-Private Partnerships in order to
allow the private sector to join with the Commonwealth and municipal
authorities in providing funding to address any transportation needs;
- Require that the net proceeds paid to the Commonwealth
or a municipal authority by a private sector partner would only be used for
transportation funding in the state.
CONTACT:
John Gentzel
(717) 787-1398
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