Just before noon today the conference committee, by a unanimous vote, supported SB 608. After much debate, the bill included $215 million in general fund dollars for roads. Of that $215 million, $100 million will be distributed through the Act 51 formula to local road agencies to be used on maintenance as a result of this years harsh winter. It requires that the $100 million in special winter road maintenance funds be used only for road maintenance, excluding administrative, overhead, and other indirect costs.  The remaining $115 million will be used for priority road projects identified by individual lawmakers and prioritized by the Legislature’s leadership. An amendment was adopted that states if the money for priority road projects is not obligated by July 1, 2014 the remaining balance would be distributed through the Act 51 formula.

It is possible that this could come up for a vote in the Senate and the House as early as today and receive the Governor’s signature before the end of the week.. The League is very appreciative of the efforts of the legislature to deliver additional road funding to our local communities during this time of need. The League would also like to thank our members who took the time to contact their legislator on this issue. Upon final passage of this legislation the League will make available a list with all of the communities across this state and what they will receive after that $100 million is put through the Act 51 formula.

John LaMacchia is a Legislative Associate for the League handling transportation and infrastructure issues. He can be reached at jlamacchia@mml.org or 517-908-0303.