Signed by Governor Tom Corbett

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with Senate amendments and pass a bill that authorizes public entities to contract with development entities for transportation projects.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Public-Private Transportation Board to oversee and approve public and private transportation projects (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the duties of the Public-Private Transportation Board include, but are not limited to, the following (Sec. 1):
• Adopt a procedure through which a public entity may submit a request for a transportation project;
• Adopt a procedure through which a private entity may submit an unsolicited plan for a transportation     project;
• Consult with persons affected by proposed transportation projects; and
• Evaluate and approve requests or plans for transportation projects that are in the best interests of the state.

• Authorizes public entities to contract with development entities and enter into a Public-Private Transportation Partnership Agreement for transportation projects upon approval by the Public-Private Transportation Board (Sec. 1).

• Defines “Public-Private Transportation Partnership Agreement” as a contract between a public entity and a development entity for the use or control, in whole or in part, of a transportation project where in return for the right to receive all or a portion of the revenue generated from the transportation facility, the private entity is required to provide certain services, including, but not limited to, the following services (Sec. 1):
• Operate and maintain the transportation facility;
• Collect and enforce user fees;
• Construct the transportation facility; or
• Develop or implement procedures that reduce traffic congestion.

• Defines “development entity” as a party to a Public Private Transportation Partnership Agreement and which is a private entity or a public entity, other than the public entity seeking to provide or improve its own transportation facility.

• Prohibits the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission from entering into a Public-Private Transportation Partnership Agreement, unless specific authority is granted by the legislature (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text