| Letter to the Editor | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Marc Gergely |
|
Dear Editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
A recent report finding the Pittsburgh region has the highest percentage of structurally deficient bridges in the country should be a wake-up call to Gov. Corbett. As the report points out, there are more deficient bridges in our area than McDonald’s restaurants.
Our state must act immediately on a long-term, comprehensive plan to fix 5,000 problem bridges and 7,000 miles of damaged roads. The taxpayers deserve a safe and reliable transportation system to protect our quality of life and economy. At times like this, people expect elected leaders to make the difficult decisions. The governor’s silence is deafening.
As a delay tactic, the governor called for yet another commission to study our transportation needs. Like the studies before, it found our roads and bridges are crumbling and mass transit, including the Port Authority, is woefully underfunded. The price tag has climbed to a staggering $3.5 billion.
Failing to act will make the repairs more expensive. Trucks and other heavy vehicles will be restricted from using problem bridges, more nets will be needed to catch falling debris and our overcrowded roads will get bumpier. The situation is even worse for the Port Authority. Its deficit could top $60 million and force another round of steep service cuts, fare hikes and layoffs.
Gov. Corbett: this issue calls for real leadership, not silence. It’s time to unveil your plan for a long-term and sustainable funding solution to provide safe roads, bridges and mass transit. Governor, it’s time to lead!
State Rep. Marc Gergely
35th Legislative District, D-Allegheny