Issue Position: Transportation and Infrastructure

Issue Position

Pennsylvania is home to a large and diverse infrastructure network and keeping it well maintained is a constant challenge. The Port of Pittsburgh is one of the busiest ports in the nation. According to independent studies; the river system supports 45,000 direct jobs and over 200,000 total jobs. Unfortunately, the locks and dams on Pittsburgh's three rivers have far outlived their design life and there has not been sufficient investment to make headway in replacing these locks and dams. Pennsylvania highway system is comprised of 40,000 state and 76,000 local miles, which ranks it as fifth largest in the nation for state-owned highways. With truck traffic in Pennsylvania nearly double the national average and the severe winters the state often experiences, our roads and bridges suffer more damage than most other states are accustomed to.

Our infrastructure has historically been one of our country's greatest strengths and has allowed America to be a global leader in imports and exports. Our infrastructure is what makes domestic businesses and workers competitive over international companies. However, without a renewed dedication to making smart investments in our nation's infrastructure, American businesses risk losing their edge along with harming future job growth.

Senator Casey introduced The RIVER Act which was designed increase investment in the Nation's inland waterways system and address current problems facing locks and dams. Senator Casey pushed to include key provisions of the RIVER Act to be included in Water Resource Development Act, which passed the Senate in May.

Senator Casey supported the passage of MAP-21, bi-partisan transportation reauthorization bill that will help to improve our Nation's aging infrastructure and put Americans to work. MAP-21 is a two year bill will extend current levels of financing and consolidates transportation funding streams. Pennsylvania stands to receive a total of approximately $3.2 billion over a two year period from this bill.

Senator Casey has annually advocated for robust funding for Amtrak. Amtrak rail service in Pennsylvania is crucial to the long-term economic competitiveness of the region and provides travelers with a reliable mode of transportation to their final destinations. Continued support of passenger rail is essential to furthering our nation's economic recovery. In Pennsylvania alone, Amtrak employs over 2,600 individuals and spends over $200 million a year on procurement contracts in the state.

Senator Casey has been a strong supporter of the TIGER grant program. This competitive grant program invests in projects that create jobs, promote economic development and positively benefit the infrastructure of our Nation. Numerous Pennsylvania communities have benefited from this program and as result they have been able to improve their infrastructure and create jobs

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