Harrisburg, PA – As part of its study to explore sustainable transportation funding methods and completing critical projects, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced the bridges being considered for its PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) Initiative, and the coming industry opportunities to participate.

“Our reliance on funding models from the last century leaves us especially vulnerable to fund losses stemming from volatile economic conditions and the increasing transition to alternative-fuel or electric vehicles,” PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said. “This initiative will help us make much-needed improvements without compromising the routine projects our communities and industry partners rely on.”

To support PennDOT Pathways, an alternative funding Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study is underway to identify near- and long-term funding solutions for the overall transportation system and establish a methodology for their evaluation. One of the early findings of the PEL study is that tolling of major bridges in need of replacement or rehabilitation appears to be a viable near-term solution. To advance this funding alternative, PennDOT is pursuing the first initiative of the PennDOT Pathways Program: The Major Bridge P3 Initiative.

The Pennsylvania P3 Board approved the Major Bridge P3 Initiative on November 12, 2020, which allows PennDOT to use the P3 delivery model for major bridges in need of rehabilitation or replacement, and to consider alternative funding methods for these locations. Through the P3 model, PennDOT can leverage private investment to rebuild critical bridges during a period with historically low interest rates and a favorable labor market. This initiative can provide a dedicated source of revenue for these infrastructure improvements and could create significant savings over the life of the program while ensuring the vitality of the state’s transportation system and economy.

The bridges being considered for tolling through the Major Bridge P3 Initiative are structures of substantial size that warrant timely attention and would require significant funds to rehabilitate or replace. Additionally, these bridges were selected based on the feasibility of construction beginning in two to four years to maximize near-term benefits, and with the intention that their locations are geographically balanced to avoid impact to just one region. Projects being considered, and for which a public involvement process begins this spring, include:

• I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project (Berks County);
• I-79 Widening, Bridges and Bridgeville Interchange Reconfiguration (Allegheny County);
• I-80 Canoe Creek Bridges (Clarion County);
• I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges (Luzerne County);
• I-80 North Fork Bridges Project (Jefferson County);
• I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project (Luzerne and Carbon counties);
• I-81 Susquehanna Project (Susquehanna County);
• I-83 South Bridge Project (Dauphin County); and
• I-95 Girard Point Bridge Improvement Project (Philadelphia County).

Each bridge’s project scope, surrounding roadway network, and traffic flow is being evaluated for inclusion in one or more project bundles to be advertised this spring. PennDOT is analyzing potential structures for project bundles to ensure fair, competitive, and local participation in the P3 procurement to replace these bridges and anticipates issuing a Request for Information to industry partners in the week of February 22 to gather industry feedback on the project, with a Request for Qualifications anticipated this spring. Private-sector partners can find a presentation outlining the anticipated process and project benefits on the Major Bridge P3 project page.

Bridge tolling provides funds to reconstruct or replace these costly bridges without depleting PennDOT’s ability to deliver its current program of projects, thus allowing existing funding to continue to be used for needed roadway and bridge safety and operational improvements. Tolling would be all electronic and collected by using E-ZPass or license plate billing. The funds received from the toll would go back to the bridge where the toll is collected to pay for the construction, maintenance and operation of that bridge.

Over the next year, PennDOT will evaluate these candidate bridges through individual environmental documents being prepared or re-evaluated for each bridge. More information on each individual bridge project, and when the public will have an opportunity to engage on those projects, can be found at www.penndot.gov/funding and on the project pages.

As Pennsylvania’s mobility needs have grown, the amount of funding required to support our highway and bridge network has continued to increase. PennDOT’s current highway and bridge budget for construction and maintenance is about $6.9 billion per year – less than half of the $15 billion needed to keep Pennsylvania’s highways and bridges in a state of good repair and address major bottlenecks on our roadway network.

These are the latest in the agency’s efforts to support and grow the state’s transportation network in the face of growing needs and shrinking resources. Much of PennDOT’s current highway and bridge funding comes from gas taxes, which are declining due to alternative fuels and fuel efficiency. PennDOT Pathways aims to identify reliable, future-focused funding solutions that will meet the overall transportation system’s growing needs while serving communities. The PennDOT Pathways PEL study will evaluate additional alternative funding solutions and will be available for public comment in the spring.

For more information about PennDOT Pathways and the Major Bridge P3 Initiative, visit www.penndot.gov/funding.

Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and like the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot/.

(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

The New Brighton Borough Council held their February meeting tonight and talked about a few different topics and issues involving the community. A New Brighton resident voiced his concern over improper curbs and sidewalks on 5th Avenue and Borough Manager Tom Albanese explained that the reason for the curb issues is that the hired contractor walked off the job last year.  He assured that steps are being taken to get the work completed. Another resident says he wants to bring a community center/gym into the town and is looking into available properties.  Also discussed at the meeting was a list of properties that are slated to be demolished this year. These properties are 519 8th Avenue, 706 13th Street, and 909 Harmony Avenue.  Valerie McElvy also gained approval for a road closure of 3rd Avenue from 8th Street to 13th Street on Friday, June 25th, for a wine walk that is being organized by the New Brighton Public Library.  Audio from the meeting can be heard below.

Tom Albanese on curbs and sidewalks:

Community Center resident idea:

Valerie McElvy on road closure:

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Sen. Fontana Re-elected Vice Chair of PHEAA Board

Harrisburg – Feb. 18, 2021 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today was unanimously re-elected to serve as the vice chairman of the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Created in 1963 by the state legislature, PHEAA is one of the nation’s leading student aid organizations. It serves millions of students and thousands of schools through its loan guaranty, loan servicing, financial aid processing, outreach and other student aid programs.

“Serving on the PHEAA Board of Directors is especially rewarding since the work we do has such a profound and beneficial impact on so many students,” Fontana said. “The members of this board bring a wealth of higher education, financial and business experience that helps us effectively respond to the evolving needs of students and families throughout the commonwealth.”

The Brookline lawmaker has represented the 42^nd Senatorial District in Allegheny County since 2005. He also serves on the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development, Game and Fisheries, Law and Justice, Rules and Executive Nominations, and Urban Affairs and Housing committees; and chairs the Senate Democratic Caucus.

First appointed to the PHEAA Board in 2008, and first elected to serve as its vice chairman in 2011, Fontana has worked to strengthen state support for PHEAA and higher education over the years.

“I look forward to continuing my service on this board and seeking bipartisan ways to help students access higher education in Pennsylvania,” Fontana said.

Mistakes mean Pennsylvania faces shortage of Moderna shots
By MICHAEL RUBINKAM Associated Press
Pennsylvania is facing a temporary shortage of booster shots of the Moderna vaccine after providers mistakenly used them as first doses. State health officials say the error could mean more than 100,000 people will need appointments rescheduled. The second-dose shortage does not affect the Pfizer vaccine. Pennsylvania has been holding second doses in reserve to ensure they will be available for residents who have gotten the initial shot. The state’s acting health secretary Alison Beam says inconsistent vaccine supply, confusion about deliveries and a lack of clear communication caused the problem.

(New Castle, Pa.) The Pennsylvania State Police -New Castle is investigating a Homicide on Grandview Avenue, Union Township, Lawrence County that occurred on Tuesday February 16, 2021.  When Union Twp. Police arrived on the scene shortly after 5 pm they located 32 year old Lamar Johnson of New Castle outside of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Union Township Police turned the investigation to the Pa State Police . The results of the  investigation revealed that Johnson was shot and killed by 25 year old  Markeace Devant Perkins of New Castle.  The Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office approved an arrest warrant for Perkins.  Charges filed against Perkins include Criminal Homicide, Persons Not to Possess Using Firearms, and Prohibited Offensive Weapons. Police were able to confirm that Perkins left the scene with Khyana Johnson of New Castle.

 

Pa State Police are currently looking for Perkins and Johnson. No charges have been filed against Johnson at this point but she is wanted for questioning.

Anyone with information  about the whereabouts of Perkins or Johnson is asked to contact the New Castle Station at 724-598-2211.

Pennsylvania’s First Vehicle Auction of 2021 to Feature 270 Vehicles for Public Purchase on February 23
COVID-19 auction protocols will be in place, Weather-Related Modified Preview Schedule
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania’s first auction of 2021 will feature 270 vehicles that will be available for public purchase on Tuesday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania, 488 Firehouse Road, Grantville.

Perfect for the winter weather, there will be a selection of four-wheel-drive vehicles in this auction including pick-up trucks, SUVs, utility vehicles and front-wheel-drive sedans from manufactures such Jeep, Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge and GMC.  There’s even an AM General M917 Military Dump Truck up for bid. Vehicles in the auction seized by state law enforcement agencies include: 2013 Honda Accord, 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW X5, and 2008 Land Rover LR2.

There will also be a selection of Crown Victoria sedans, Police Interceptors and other vehicles available are no longer used by state agencies.

As part of efforts to ensure a safe auction environment, in-person access on the day of the auction will be limited to registered public buyers and dealers only, with no guests. Masks and social distancing will be required for entry on preview days and the day of the auction. Masks and sanitizing products will be available for those who arrive without them. No food or beverage service will be provided at the auction site.

Due to upcoming predictions for inclement weather, pre-registration and in-person previewing of the vehicles will now take place on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day at the Grantville auction site. During that same time frame, individuals interested in personally viewing the vehicles can do so. Pre-registration is mandatory and must be completed on or before Sunday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m. There will be no registration on the day of the auction.

The auction will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23. Buyers must purchase with certified funds in the form of money order, cashier’s check, certified check or bank check – made payable to “Manheim Keystone PA.” No cash will be accepted.

The February auction is the first of six auctions planned for 2021. More information on this auction, payment conditions and a complete listing of vehicles is available on the DGS Auto Auction Information page.

Residents Reminded to Report Outages, Use Caution During Severe Weather, and Give Utility Crews Room to Work

 

HARRISBURG – As another major winter storm system moves across the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds households of the steps they can take to prepare for, and recover safely from, storm-related power outages.

Additionally, the PUC cautions residents to give utility crews ample room to perform their repair work – for your protection as well as theirs – and to use extra care when traveling, watching for utility crews working along streets and roads and slowing down in work areas.

 “The combination of snow, ice, high winds and falling temperatures has the potential to disrupt utility service,” said PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. “Time spent on planning and preparing before a storm can go a long way toward keeping yourself and your family safe when severe weather hits.” 

Storm Preparation Tips

 

The PUC encourages residents to consider the following tips before a storm strikes your community:Know Your Utility Hotlines – Write down, print or save toll-free outage hotlines for your electric utility and/or your natural gas utility, which are listed on your monthly bills and posted on the PUC website.

• Save Utility Website Address – Your utility’s outage reporting system can provide updates on repair and restoration efforts. Bookmark these electric utility outage sites and natural gas company websites.
• Keep Your Cell Phone Charged – A well-charged phone will keep you in contact with your utility, other emergency services and family members during any power outage.
• Secure Supplies – Keep necessary food, medicine and other supplies on-hand, including batteries for flashlights.

Power Outage Tips

 

Should you lose power during a storm, keep the following points in mind:

• Call Your Utility Hotline to Report Outages – Do not assume that the utility already knows about your outage or that others have already called.
• Keep Clear of Wires – Do NOT touch or approach any fallen lines.
• Stay Away from Objects or Puddles in contact with downed power lines.
• Do NOT Try to Remove Trees or Limbs from power lines.
• Pre-Charge Cellular Phones or keep a portable cell phone charger on hand.  Plan to use a corded phone, cordless phones won’t work without electricity.
• Do NOT Call 9-1-1 to Report Power Outages – report those to your utility. Calling 9-1-1 to report non-emergency issues like service outages can take resources away from other emergencies. SPECIAL NOTE: If you see a downed power line, immediately call your electric utility and/or 9-1-1.

 

Safety While Waiting for Power to be Restored

 

Households should consider the following tips to help stay safe until power is restored:

• Use Flashlights or Battery-Operated Lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles or other potential fire hazards.
• Turn Off Lights and Electrical Appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can damage equipment.
• Leave One Light On – After you turn the lights off, turn one lamp on so you will know when power is restored. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances.
• Use Generators Safely – If you use a generator, do NOT run it inside a home or garage or anywhere close to a window or vent. Also, connect the equipment you want to operate directly to the outlets on the generator, not your home’s electrical system, which could shock or injure utility crews working on nearby power lines. Additional generator tips are available here.
• Check on Elderly Neighbors and those with special needs who might need additional assistance.

 

Natural Gas Safety Tips

 

Consumers using natural gas appliances can also be impacted by storms:

• Check Gas Appliances – Electric power outages can affect home appliances that operate on natural gas. If they do not function properly when power is restored, call a professional for service.
• Evacuate if You Smell Natural Gas – Get everyone out of the building immediately.
• Leave the Door Open and Do NOT Use Phones; do NOT switch lights or appliances on or off; and do NOT take any other action while inside the building.
• Call 9-1-1 from a safe location – After you are safely outside, call 9-1-1 from your cell phone or neighbor’s home.

During storm emergencies, the PUC continuously monitors utility issues and works closely with the Governor’s Office and the other state agencies involved in Pennsylvania’s coordinated storm response. Across the state, there is extensive behind-the-scenes work when storms are forecast, focused on quickly addressing problems and restoring service as rapidly as possible. Utilities are putting their severe weather plans into motion; crews and equipment are being positioned for quick response to outages; and communication with emergency management coordinators is enhanced.

 

The Commission also highlighted a short video highlighting storm outage heating safety tips, available on the PUC YouTube channel.