Paoli Transportation Center Scores $14.5M in Harrisburg

The new Paoli Transportation station is now $14.5 million closer to becoming a reality.  The money is part of the just-passed transportation bill, whih Governor Corbett signed during a ceremony Monday in Norristown.  More specifically,  Dinniman says this chunk of state money will be directed toward roadway realignment and widening to accommodate the new and expanded regional transportation center. 

The Paoli Transportation Center project has been in the works, at least being discussed, for decades.  The completed project could still be ten years away.

Shortly after the bill was signed State Senator Andy Dinniman's office issued a press release taking credit for bringing the money to the Paoli project and taking a shot at area Republicans from the House of Representatives. 

“Despite the efforts by some local officials in the House of Representatives to block this vital funding, I am pleased to announce that significant support will be directed for improvement projects such as the Paoli Regional Transportation Center,” Dinniman said. 

During the signing ceremony Corbett praised the bill as a bi-partisan effort saying  “through bipartisan spirit and an agreement that crossed party lines it shows that Pennsylvania is a state in which moderation, careful thought and good faith still play a large role in how we govern. Pennsylvania is a state that puts progress ahead of party lines with a common goal of serving our citizens.’’

Here is the press release issued Monday afternoon by Senator Dinniman's office:

State Senator Andrew Dinniman today announced that $14.5 million in funding has been awarded toward the Paoli Transportation Project.

“This announcement represents my determination to take one the most significant steps forward in the 30-year history of the Paoli Regional Transportation Center,” said Dinniman. “Paoli and the Great Valley Corporate Center have long served as an economic engine for Chester County. The proposed transportation center and train station at Paoli will ensure that our regional infrastructure continues to provide incentives for entrepreneurs from local small-business owners to international corporations, to call Chester County home.”

Funding for the Paoli Intermodal Transportation Center is a vital component of the proposal to relocate and expand the current station to a new site near the existing facility. Specifically, state funding will be directed toward roadway realignment and widening to accommodate the new and expanded regional transportation center. The proposed modern transportation hub in Paoli will improve access for buses, shuttles, and taxis; significantly increase commuter parking to meet both current demand and provide for future ridership; and improve vehicular traffic and reduce congestion for surrounding roadways.

“In light of recent transportation funding legislation in Harrisburg, I worked to ensure Chester County benefited directly from this funding package,” Dinniman continued. “Despite the efforts by some local officials in the House of Representatives to block this vital funding, I am pleased to announce that significant support will be directed for improvement projects such as the Paoli Regional Transportation Center.”

In addition to securing funding for the Paoli Transportation Center, Dinniman announced that more than $123 million in transportation funding will be directed to improvement projects throughout his current legislative district. These projects include $36 million for the repair and replacement of bridges, $17 million for regional roadway and pedestrian-use safety improvements, almost $69 million for roadway repaving, expansion improvement, and other traffic congestion mitigation project throughout Chester County.

“The key to the continuation and growth of our regional economy is directly linked to the strength of our infrastructure,” said Dinniman, noting the 76,000 new jobs estimated to come to Chester County between now and 2040. “With this in mind, I will continue to fight for support of Chester County and will work to ensure that important projects, such as the Paoli Transportation Center, are fully funded and completed.”

During the budget debates in Harrisburg, Democrats and Republicans here in Tredyffin Township squared off in the media, including here on TE Patch via an op-ed from Rep. Warren Kampf (R-157)  and an Op-Ed from Tredyffrin Township Democrat Chair Dariel Jamieson