Local federal and state government officials have declined to comment on President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure over the course of a decade.
But they have vowed their support to making much-needed repairs across the country –– and particularly in rural Pennsylvania.
“The need for an upgraded infrastructure system, especially in northwestern Pennsylvania, is not just years overdue, but decades overdue,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., told The Era on Wednesday. “Pennsylvania is home to a large diverse infrastructure network, and I have continually pushed for increased funding for our roads, bridges, and ports to create jobs and keep businesses competitive.”
Under Trump’s plan, some economists say that the proposal would bring more private-sector profits and fewer infrastructure projects.
In November, CBS reported that Trump wants to prevent direct spending and borrowing and pursue subsidizing private developers with major tax credits for constructing roads, bridges and other projects. In turn, developers would becomes owners of the infrastructure and collect tolls and fees, CBS reported.
In any case, substantial investment in infrastructure is a must need, and Casey said he remains hopeful that lawmakers can work with Trump.
Republican U.S Sen. Pat Toomey’s Communications Director Elizabeth “E.R.” Anderson shared similar thoughts. She said Pennsylvania, which has storied industrial heritage and aging infrastructure, requires continued investment in roads, bridges, railroads and waterways to sustain its growing economy.
“Senator Toomey believes the federal government can play an important role in supporting our infrastructure priorities, and he has been proud to promote fiscally responsible legislation to fund infrastructure maintenance and expansion,” Anderson said.
For her part, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokeswoman Marla Fannin said PennDOT couldn’t speculate on what the future would hold.
“We look forward to continuing our work with federal, state and local partners to improve our infrastructure, which is vital to supporting Pennsylvania’s economy,” she said.
However, in the short term there are several projects being planned across the four-county region, Fannin said.
In McKean County, bridge replacements are being proposed over Potato Creek in Norwich Township, costing about $1.4 million; Warner Brook in Keating Township, about $900,000; Three Mile Run in Keating Township, about $1 million; Birch Run in Liberty Township, about $955,000; and Red Mill Brook in Norwich Township, about $1 million.
In Elk County, plans call for a bridge replacement over Silver Run in St. Marys, which would approximately cost $1.2 million. A bridge replacement over Kersey Run in Jay Township is also in the plans, which would cost about $1.8 million.
For Potter County, highway restoration along Route 144 from Coneville to Shinglehouse, with some bridge preservation, is being planned at an approximate cost of $8.5 million. Bridge replacements are being proposed for over Brizzie Hollow in Oswayo Township, costing approximately $1.1 million; and Steer Brook in Hebron Township, about $900,000.
For Cameron County, the Cowley Run bridge is being planned for replacement in Portage Township, with an approximate cost of $2.2 million. A resurfacing project along Route 155 from Emporium to the Potter County line, with some bridge preservation work, is also in the plans; the approximate cost is $9.2 million. A bridge preservation project along Route 120 is estimated at $4.5 million.
