By SARA FURLONG

s.furlong@bradfordera.com

No one likes a Monday morning quarterback — those individuals who critique decisions after the fact, without ever having offered any input.

Government and community organizations often send press releases to The Era when feedback from area residents is requested. State officials are seeking public feedback now to shape the future of transportation and higher education in the commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has invited the public to review and comment on its 12-Year Transportation Program (TYP), which includes projects that support the ways Pennsylvanians travel and businesses get their products to market.

Public comment regarding future projects and priorities can be submitted through the department’s transportation survey through April 30, at survey.talkpatransportation. com. ‘Gov. (Josh) Shapiro knows that transportation affects everyone, so we want to hear from everyone,’ said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.

‘Pennsylvania drivers, riders, pedestrians and residents use our transportation system every day, and it’s critical that we hear directly from

Weigh… page A-8

Era photo by Sara Furlong them as we plan for the next 12 years.”

During the public comment period, Pennsylvanians can submit feedback by taking the online survey or emailing comments to RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov. Call (717) 783-2262 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to request a printed copy of the survey, or to complete the survey by telephone.

PennDOT will also host an online public forum about the plan from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

April 10 via livestream.

Pennsylvanians will be able to ask transportation- related questions to PennDOT leadership and members of the State Transportation Committee (STC). Questions can also be submitted in advance using the aforementioned contacts.

Individuals interested in attending but who do not have Internet access can call (717) 783-2262 to listen in.

PennDOT and the STC will document, review and use feedback to help identify needs and prioritize transportation projects across the state, and to inform other regional and statewide transportation plans and programs.

This public comment period occurs every two years when the STC and PennDOT update the TYP. The public is also encouraged to review the 2025 PennDOT Transportation Performance Report (TPR), a collaboration between the STC, State Transportation Advisory Committee and PennDOT, which is also updated every two years.

It is the first step, officials said, in the state’s transportation program planning process and helps to evaluate the system’s performance and opportunities for progress.

Regarding post-secondary schooling in Pennsylvania, the State Board of Higher Education will embark on a statewide stakeholder engagement tour to gather input on the creation of its new strategic plan.

SBHE is charged with providing direction, coordination and support to ensure that institutions of higher education fully meet the commonwealth’s workforce and economic development needs, and that all residents have access to affordable, world-class further education.

The board is seeking insight from parties invested in its success, such as students, faculty, the business community, organized labor, legislators and higher education leaders.

“In his first budget address, Gov. Shapiro called on state leaders to rethink higher education in the commonwealth.

Over the past two years, we brought together dozens of vested partners to have meaningful conversations about higher education in Pennsylvania, and to build on the administration’s plan for higher education,” said Executive Director of the Board Dr. Kate Shaw. “In this next phase of its work, the board will deepen its engagement with the public to gather the best ideas about how to strengthen and support the higher education sector and galvanize economic and workforce development.

Through this process, we can chart a course for our colleges and universities to work together toward a more prosperous Pennsylvania.”

Regional public hearings, a public survey and informal listening sessions will be available for the public to weigh in on the plan, which is scheduled to be adopted by September. A list of upcoming hearings, additional information and a link to register for one of the hearings is available on the SBHE website.