Governor Ed Rendell held his first meeting in Washington with the Pennsylvania congressional delegation and said federal funding cutbacks could cause roadblocks for three major transportation projects in the state. Rep Bill Shuster was puzzled by the Governor’s comments.
Shuster reassured central Pennsylvanians that nothing has changed concerning federal funding for I-99 and that the project is scheduled to proceed.
Rendell singled out the proposed Schuylkill Valley MetroRail in the Philadelphia suburbs, and extensions to the Mon-Fayette Expressway outside Pittsburgh and Interstate 99 in central Pennsylvania. All three projects, he said, could face a stop sign if Congress forces the state to pay a higher share in matching public funds.
“It’s a bit of a mystery as to why a concern was raised,” said David Atkinson, chief of staff for Senator Robert Jubelirer. “From what I understand some of the other projects that were mentioned are drawing board projects. They don’t have the two decades of project and construction that I-99 features. It is an unfortunate collection to be thrown in with. In terms of I-99, we’re looking at completing it. Some of the other projects he mentioned, they are looking how to start them. It’s an enormously different situation. The money has been identified and we’ve been clearing away obstacles as they present themselves for the construction of the remaining sections. We believe that I-99 is going to go forward.”
“There are absolutely no plans to change the federal match for I-99,” said Shuster. “I am not sure what prompted the questions coming for the Governor’s office. There is no plan to decease the federal match in the president’s proposed budget and I sit on the committee with jurisdiction and there has been no discussion of such a reduction. Again, I am puzzled as to why the governor’s office would think that there would be a funding shortfall for I-99. If there was an effort to change the amount, I can assure you that the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee would fight vigorously against it because every single major transportation project in this country would be in jeopardy.”
Congressman Shuster also noted that I-99 is a crucial part of economic development for the region and remains a top priority for officials at all levels.
“The completion of I-99 is as important to this region and to communities across the Ninth Congressional District as any other project currently in development,” said Shuster. “The economic growth it means to our communities is essential and I continue to support and fight for its completion until the first cars are able to use it.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
