In the near future, I will introduce legislation to invest and rebuild PennDOT’s rural roads and bridges throughout the Commonwealth.
 
In May 2025, the Senate Transportation Committee convened a public hearing on rural infrastructure at the historic Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona. We collected an abundance of unmet needs for roadways, railroads, Amtrak, airports and more. To illustrate, PennDOT’s three- and four-digit routes are in the poorest condition due to the administrative prioritization of major projects on the Interstate System.
 
Since becoming the Chair, I have been hard at work collecting feedback from stakeholders and constituents on how to improve our lower-volume network without “weight-restricted” bridges and “tar-and-chip” roads. Through these meetings and hearings, it became clear that the General Assembly must act to revitalize our crumbling infrastructure in Rural Pennsylvania.
 
My legislation will include an effective bonding program that finally repairs our aging and deteriorating rural infrastructure. Providing this critical funding stream will enhance safety, mobility and economic competitiveness, which are prudent returns-on-investment.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this targeted legislation to ensure backroads are modernized and continue supporting the critical transportation needs for Rural Pennsylvania to thrive.