$2.5B transportation bill set for Pa. Senate vote

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A bill designed to boost state spending on Pennsylvania’s transportation systems by almost 50 percent is prepared for a final Senate vote, but policymakers say they’re unable to explain the effect the money will have.

A successful vote today would send the bill to the House, where Republican leaders are skeptical of the $2.5 billion price tag.

Gov. Tom Corbett backs a $1.8 billion proposal. Both plans rely primarily on increasing a wholesale gas tax and would give Pennsylvania among the nation’s highest fuel tax rates.

A Transportation Department spokesman says he’s unaware of an analysis that says how the new money would reduce a backlog of highway miles and bridges in need of repair. He also says the agency can’t list which projects would be completed with the money.