Our advocacy and outreach efforts have been almost non-stop since the stimulus legislation passed. While our focus has been primarily on the infrastructure aspects of the American Recovery and Revitalization Act, we've really zeroed in on the transportation program and of course, what that means to Pennsylvania.   

Now another opportunity has presented itself in the form of the High Speed Rail Plan which was recently unveiled by President Obama. This may be a once in a lifetime chance to develop and implement a true rail plan for the commonwealth.

Pennsylvania is one of approximately thirty states that can apply for the funds to help rebuild existing rail infrastructure because the Keystone Corridor, an existing rail line that connects Philadelphia to Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, runs through the heart of the state.  ...More

Don't forget, the 2009 Commonwealth Awards are set for June 9 at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg, and we want you to be in attendance to celebrate smart growth success around Pennsylvania. Visit the Commonwealth Awards website to order your tickets now.

This year's event features an expanded schedule beginning with a poster session where participants will have an opportunity to learn about the finalists and interact with the project leaders that made them a reality.

The awards presentation will follow with the keynote address given by Christopher B. Leinberger on the topic of "How Sustainable Development Will Be a Major Factor in America's Economic Recovery." A reception will conclude the event with the opportunity to learn more about winning projects and enjoy generous refreshments.

Over the last year, T4America has convened teams of transportation professionals, public officials and major stakeholders to think through the tough transportation issues of our time -- financial strains, crumbling highways and bridges, the surging demand for public transportation, energy and climate challenges - to craft critical reforms to our nation's primary infrastructure program.

Their conclusion, outlined in T4America's just-released blueprint, is that Congress should depart from the current, outmoded program with four key reforms:

• Renewed Vision and Accountability: The bill must articulate clear goals and objectives and set performance targets for the national transportation program, holding state and local transportation agencies accountable for demonstrable progress towards goals. T4America's blueprint has suggestions on how this should look.
• Financial Overhaul: We must begin to move away from a financing system that has become dependent on rising consumption of gasoline, and toward a unified transportation fund with multiple sources that invests in a full portfolio of rail, freight, highway, public transportation and non-motorized transportation.
• Streamlined Programs and Agencies: Consolidate the 108 existing, isolated programs into fewer than 20, integrated within five core priorities, with a focus on creating seamless transportation systems that meet the unique needs of metropolitan regions, small towns and rural areas.
• More Local Latitude, but with Accountability: Empower states, regions and cities with direct transportation funding and greater flexibility to select projects, and in return require demonstrated performance on meeting national objectives.

With proposed spending of nearly a half-trillion dollars over six years at stake, Congress must ensure the spending plan and policies will provide a complete array of mobility choices for all Americans - whether walking, bicycling, driving or traveling on public transportation - in an interconnected, energy-efficient manner. Such a system will serve our national interests, add value to communities, contribute to America's public health and safety, and reflect the values of equity and fairness.

10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania works as an alliance of organizations and individuals committed to promoting land use policies and actions that will enable Pennsylvania to strengthen its diverse urban, suburban and rural communities. Through a diverse coalition focused on a positive agenda, we seek proactive solutions and options for local, regional and state leaders.