Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila. is intricately involved in the response. "I'm on site with city, state and federal officials. We're assessing the situation and working with PEMA and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management," Neilson said. "We will provide critical updates as soon as we have more details, but for now please stay away from the area." Read more
The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee today met at State Capitol to hear from experts on Pennsylvania's transportation funding needs, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. The committee heard from Mark Markosky, president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, who explained how funding transportation is vital to Pennsylvania’s long-term economic well-being. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality stable and good paying jobs for thousands of highly educated Pennsylvania residents – not just in the urban areas,” Markosky said. He said that even in rural areas, a small bridge replacement requires experts from all different sectors to determine the impact the bridge will have on the community, from engineers and environmental scientists to construction inspectors. “Funding for infrastructure projects provides high quality, stable and good paying jobs for thousands of educated Pennsylvanians,” Markosky said. David Heath, a consultant for the Aviation Council of PA, spoke of the importance of Aviation on Pennsylvania’s economy and the critical need to increase state funding for aviation infrastructure in the state. “With an annual economic impact that exceeds $34 billion, the aviation industry in Pennsylvania contributes more than 4% to our state’s Gross Domestic Read more
State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, released the following statement regarding proposed fare increases by SEPTA: “This is the exact scenario we wanted to avoid while we were negotiating the state budget. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania use public transit as a tool to survive. It connects them with important medical appointments, they rely on it to get their groceries, and many people rely on public transit to attend school or work. “SEPTA is not the only agency that will be affected by the budget shortfall in public transit funding; it will trickle down to all of them and have disastrous consequences for Pennsylvanians in both rural and urban communities, not to mention the damage it will do to our state’s economy. “If people do not have access to their only mode of travel and they cannot get to school or work, it sets the commonwealth up for a perilous future, where our constituents have trouble meeting their basic needs and obligations. “We’ve heard from many experts in the public transit sector during the Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour, and our tour will continue throughout the month. “My hope is that after listening to the experts on the significant impact public transit has on the entire state, we can come together and implement a solution for this funding crisis. Pennsylvanians deserve the freedom of movement, and some can only use that Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: Local Share Account Statewide Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, redevelopment authorities, land banks, or councils of government. Non-profits may partner with an eligible applicant to apply on their behalf. Use: Projects in the public interest. Projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization. See program guidelines for specific eligible uses of funds. Funds: The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest. Grant requests must be at a minimum $25,000 and no more than $1,000,000. Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 More information: DCED Website Department of Education: Hunger-Free Campus Grants Who May Apply: Institutes of Higher Education. Use: Funding may be used to ensure students have access to healthy, nutritious food. Funds: Institutions with 3,000 or fewer students are eligible for $20,000 awards. Institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students are eligible for $40,000 awards. Institutions with greater than 7,000 students are eligible for $60,000 awards. Application Deadline: September 23, 2024 More information: PDE website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR Read more
The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee on Wednesday continued its statewide Moving PA Forward by Investing in Roads, Bridges and Transit tour at the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology in Pleasant Gap, according to committee Majority Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “Often when we think about public transit, we often think of big and bustling cities, but a lack of public transit in rural areas like Centre County can be devastating to the local economy and has a lasting effect on people’s health and well-being,” Neilson said. David Rishel, executive director and CEO of the Centre Area Transportation Authority, testified before the committee about the benefits that the agency provides for Centre County’s economy and even the environment. “CATA provides more than 200 people in Centre County with secure jobs and, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, we remove more than 13,000 cars from the road in the region every day, eliminating 250,000 tons of CO2 and reducing other greenhouse gas emissions,” Rishel said. Rishel noted that CATA delivers a massive amount of service to the region with efficiency and that ridership is returning to pre-pandemic levels. He said the agency if facing significant financial challenges and will not be able to fulfill the needs of its ridership if the state does not increase funding for and make a better commitment to public transportation. Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Endowment Act – Treatment and Training Who May Apply: Eligibility of these funds is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: To support the training of medical and mental healthcare providers who treat children and adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Funds: A total of $200,000 in Endowment Act funding is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately four projects with budgets not to exceed $50,000 over the 2-year project period. Application Deadline: October 4, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or support transition of ownership. Funds: $500,000 in funding is available. Grants shall not exceed $7,500. Application Deadline: Applications will be received until funds are exhausted. More information: Pennsylvania Bulletin Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Recruitment Incentives for Law Enforcement Who May Apply: Local law enforcement agencies, campus or university police, railroad or street Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County: Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund Who May Apply: Municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profits and for-profit businesses in Allegheny County. Use: Economic development projects, infrastructure development projects, job training, community improvement projects, public safety projects, and public interest projects. Funds: Project budgets must be between $150,000 and $500,000. Application Deadline: August 30, 2024 More information: RAAC Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024-25 Advanced Law Enforcement Training Initiative Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to non-profit organizations with experience in facilitating and hosting in-person law enforcement trainings in Pennsylvania. Use: To support advanced comprehensive evidence-based training courses for law enforcement. Funds: A total of $80,000 in Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $80,000 over the one-year project period. Application Deadline: August 29, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Project Safe and Smart 2025 Who May Apply: Community-based organizations that can successfully demonstrate their reach and partnership with K-12 school entities. Preference will be given to applicants that demonstrate that they Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: School Safety and Mental Health Grants Who May Apply: Eligible school entities as defined under 24 P.S. §13-1314.1-B of the PA Public School Code. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: $100 million is available to be distributed via a formula that stipulates school districts are to receive $100,000 base average and an additional amount based on their 22/23 Adjusted Average Daily Membership. Other eligible school entities are to receive $70,000. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools Who May Apply: Nonpublic schools as defined under Section 924.3-A of the PA Public School Code, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, or approved vendors. Use: Funding may be used to assist schools with physical safety and/or behavioral health needs. Funds: A total of $19,665,000 in state school safety and security funds is being announced to support this initiative. Application Deadline: September 26, 2024 More information: PCCD Website PennDOT: Rail Freight Assistance Program/Rail Transportation Assistance Program Who May Apply: Railroad company, transportation organization, municipality, municipal authority, user Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program Who May Apply : Applicant must be a nonprofit organization based in the Commonwealth designated as a 501(c)(3) and principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in its Hate Crime Statistics Publication under the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Use : Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, safety and security planning, purchase of safety and security equipment, purchase of security related technology (metal detectors, protective lighting, deadbolts, etc.), safety and security training, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, and more. Funds : $10 million has been appropriated by the General Assembly to the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. Applicant requests must be between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : August 27, 2024 More information : PCCD Website Historical & Museum Commission: Cultural and Historical Support Grants Who May Apply: Museums and official county historical societies. Use: Funds are intended to strengthen the museum community and provide operating support to museums and historical societies. Funds: Nearly $2 million in funds are available. Application Deadline: August Read more
State Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, made a statement today regarding the historic win for Pennsylvania’s transportation sector: a $500 million federal grant as part of the Large Bridge Project grant program: “This historic funding will go towards replacing the I-83 South Bridge, which connects Harrisburg to the west shore of Cumberland County,” Neilson said. “It’s a vital route in central Pennsylvania that carries 125,000 vehicles over the Susquehanna River daily and is often used by truckers delivering goods throughout the commonwealth. “I’m thankful to Gov. Shapiro, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and the entire Biden administration for their help with securing the largest amount of federal funding Pennsylvania’s transportation sector has ever received; it will cover almost half the costs of the entire project. “It goes a long way to helping us invest in Pennsylvania’s vast network of roads and bridges. We can use the money saved with this funding to help maintain and repair other bridges that need major repairs throughout the commonwealth.” Neilson added that the I-83 bridge was built in 1960, and with wear and tear increasing throughout the years, the repairs have become too costly and frequent. The Large Bridge Project grant was awarded to Pennsylvania Transportation Department from the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program. Read more
Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee Majority Chair Ed Neilson made the following statement today regarding increases in the budget for transportation funding and mass-transit funding. “Today’s budget agreement includes a lot to celebrate as it relates to transportation, including an increase of $110 million for highway maintenance, an increase of $75 million for road and bridge maintenance, and an additional $50 million for road and bridge construction – these are real investments to deliver a smoother, safer commute for everyone. “I am proud of what the House Democratic majority has accomplished in this budget for transportation, but this is only the beginning. After years of underfunding transit, today’s budget agreement includes a funding increase of $80.5 million for transit while we continue to negotiate a long-term funding solution. “This is the first time in over a decade that we have successfully increased state funding for transit, and it never would have happened without our House Democratic majority. This is a down payment and a promise to keep working and negotiating so we can fully fund our transit agencies in all 67 counties so that our residents in urban, suburban and rural communities can continue to have affordable and accessible ways to get to work, school, medical appointments and wherever they need to go. “I look forward to working with my colleagues over the coming Read more
State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, said he was happy to work on a bipartisan agreement for legislation (S.B. 656) passed by the state House today that would require electric vehicle owners to pay their fair share to help upkeep Pennsylvania’s massive network of roads and bridges. “Everyone who uses Pennsylvania roads should have to pay their part to help keep our roads safe and our bridges in top shape,” Neilson said. “I’m happy to implement a solution that is fair, equitable and accommodating for Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle owners.” Currently, electric vehicle owners are supposed to be paying the Alternative Fuel Tax on electricity. However, most owners do not do this because they are unaware that they must and because the process is too cumbersome, with owners having to self-report the tax to the Department of Revenue monthly based on how much electricity they use to charge their vehicles at home. Neilson said the bill would repeal the impractical Alternative Fuel Tax on electricity for residential charging and replace it with an annual fee of $200 in 2025, then $250 in 2026. After that it would be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (rounded to the nearest dollar). Owners would have the option of paying the fee in full or in monthly installments. Owners of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles would pay a reduced fee of $50 in 2025, then $63 in 2026. “We Read more
The House of Representatives passed legislation which would support many of the priorities set forth by state Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee. House Bill 2301, an omnibus transportation bill, would raise the annual income cap for retirees to qualify for an $10 vehicle registration by approximately $10,000. Neilson said that moving forward, the cap would rise annually to keep pace with inflation. This cost-cutting move to aid retired people was proposed by state Rep. Bob Merski in H.B. 250 which the House passed in September. He added that the bill would waive title and registration fees on any one vehicle owned by a U.S. veteran who was injured or captured while serving. This language comes from Rep. Ciresi's H.B. 150 which the House passed in April. Neilson said the bill also retains language that would extend the distracted driving license plate program and it include license plates proposed by Rep. Jose Giral (Borinqueneers) and Rep. Nancy Guenst (Women Veterans). The bill now heads to Gov. Shapiro's desk for his signature to enact it into state law. Read more
Today, State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, joined Gov. Josh Shapiro as he signed S.B. 37, or “Paul Miller’s Law.” The bill, named after a Pennsylvania man who was tragically struck and killed by a distracted driver, would allow law enforcement to issue a ticket when a driver uses their cell phone while driving. “Today is a step toward mitigating a major safety issue when driving,” Neilson said. “Distracted driving has replaced driving while intoxicated as the most significant cause of accidents in Pennsylvania; I’m proud to work with my colleagues and thankful to Governor Shapiro for ensuring the safety of everyone who travels on Pennsylvania roads.” I n 2023, there were more than 11,262 distracted-driving crashes in 2023, compared to 8,330 alcohol-related crashes, according to PennDOT. Read more
“Right now, it can take months for PennDOT to process junk titles, which leaves tow truck operators responsible for the non-working vehicle,” Neilson said. “Ensuring the reasonable processing and delivery of junk titles will greatly assist tow truck operators who don’t have the space or resources to store vehicles for an extended period of time.” Read more
NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2024 County Jail-Based Vivitrol Program Who May Apply: Funding is available to all counties with a county jail seeking to establish or expand a jail-based substance use treatment program. Use: Implementation or expansion of a county jail-based Vivitrol program. Funds: A total of $7.175 million in Act 80 funds is available. Application Deadline: July 17, 2024 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Attorney & Judge Training – Children with Disabilities Who May Apply: Local governments, local and national nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education which demonstrate, in their application, an ability to collaborate with state and local partners to develop and deliver statewide training for attorneys and a commitment to the improvement of child abuse investigations in the Commonwealth. Use: Costs associated with the development and delivery of a trauma-focused, child-focused, training curriculum for attorneys and judges who participate in hearings involving child abuse victims in Pennsylvania who have verbal, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities. Funds: A total of $128,990 in federal Children’s Justice Act funds is available to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $128,990. Application Read more
Pa. state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, tells KDKA Radio that lawmakers want to protect drivers and save lives. Banning the use of hand-held devices while driving will go a long way toward making the state's roadways safer. Read more
Pa. state Rep. Ed Neilson, majority chair of the House Transportation Committee, tells KDKA Radio about why it was so important to ban the use of hand-held devices while driving. Read more
State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., chair of the PA House Transportation Committee, today announced that legislation (S.B. 37) that would prohibit the use of hand-held devices while operating a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and is now on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for signature to become state law. “The data shows that distracted driving is the cause for more crashes than driving under the influence now,” Neilson said. “In the past, we confronted DUIs with harsher penalties because we recognized the danger it caused.” “I’m happy we did the work to get this bill passed and treated it with the same amount of alarm,” Neilson continued. Under the legislation, the penalty is a summary offense: a $50 fine and no points on the driver’s license. The bill also promotes education efforts by requiring minors to learn about distracted driving and have at least one question on the driver’s exam be about distracted driving, Neilson explained. “Today, Pennsylvania joins 26 states, including all of our border states, in recognizing the dangers that come with distracted driving by passing legislation that would include not only deterrents but an opportunity to get educated about the dangers of distracted driving in Pennsylvania,” Neilson said. Neilson added that the bill is also known as Paul Miller’s Read more
Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, said it is a high priority issue for the committee and he is working with his Senate colleagues to arrive at a consensus on how to deal with this evolving area of electric vehicles to place a bill on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk. Read more
Legislation that would ban handheld electronic devices while driving is advancing in the General Assembly. Read more
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