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March 31, 2010

Senator John Pippy E-News
Senate News in Review

Senate Votes to Extend Children's Health Insurance, Add Annuities Protections

The Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would extend the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and provide additional protections for consumers who purchase annuities.

Senate Bill 237, sponsored by Sen. Jake Corman (Centre), would reauthorize CHIP through December 31, 2013.  The program provides health insurance to all uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance.

The measure also would ensure that those selling annuities in Pennsylvania are making sure that the product is right for those purchasing them based on financial status, tax status and investment objectives.  More than 30 states have adopted similar laws or regulations related to annuities.     
Senator Corman Audio

Bill Establishing Reporting Requirements for Gas Wells Set for Enactment

The Senate took action on regulatory legislation relating to Marcellus Shale. Senate Bill 297  amends the Oil and Gas Act to require operators of Marcellus Shale wells to provide well production information to the Department of Environmental Protection.  The information will be made public in six months and be posted on DEP's website. 

Current law required DEP to keep production information confidential for a period of five years. Senate Bill 297 was sent to the governor for enactment.

In addition to making the process more transparent, the measure will also enable companies to determine where natural gas production levels are higher, which will help to attract larger companies.  This will not only help the local economy but also encourage greater production of natural gas.

New Law Makes Bank Robbery a Second-Degree Felony, Regardless of the Method

Legislation classifying the robbery of a financial institution as a second-degree felony, regardless of the method used to commit the robbery, was signed into law Wednesday.

Act 11 of 2010, sponsored by Sen. Mike Waugh (York), amended the current statute which contains sections pertaining only to "robbery" and "robbery of a motor vehicle."  Therefore, bank robberies have simply been grouped with other "robberies," and if no bodily harm was done but property was taken they have been classified as third-degree felonies.

Act 11, however, now addresses the specific action of taking or removing money from a financial institution, and classifies such a robbery as a felony of the second degree.  Language was also included to ensure equal classification of all bank robberies, regardless of whether the demand for money is made orally or in writing.

Often individuals use notes and verbal threats to carry out bank robberies thinking their crime would be considered less severe without a weapon.
Senator Waugh

Senate Acts to Assist Students in Active Duty Military Families

The Senate approved legislation March 15 sponsored by Sen. Bob Robbins (Mercer) to help students of military families cope with the frequent and stressful relocations associated with active duty service.

Senate Bill 213, the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, authorizes Pennsylvania to enter into the Interstate Compact as a way to make education more accessible to children of military families and make school transfers and transitions more uniform and less stressful. 

The Compact was developed and drafted by the Council of State Governments with the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Personnel and Readiness.  Similar legislation has been enacted in 28 states.
Senator Robbins Audio

Policy Committee Explores Steps to Make DEP Permitting More Efficient

The Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing Tuesday on improving the Department of Environmental Protection's permitting process.

The Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (Delaware), looked into possible causes of delays in the DEP permitting process and discussed possible solutions to make the process more "user friendly."  As one testifier stated, the regulated community in Pennsylvania -- including water service providers, farmers and others -- is seeking uniformity, consistency, and responsiveness in DEP's permitting actions. 

For more on the committee hearing, please see In the Spotlight and Fast Facts, below.
Hearing Video/Written Testimony

Senate Committees Examine Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts

Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency lauded Pennsylvania's progress in reducing pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed during a joint hearing Wednesday of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Brubaker (Lancaster), and the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (Venango).

The officials outlined possible ways to reduce pollution in the watershed, including upgrading waste water treatment facilities, instituting best management practices for agriculture, improving storm water controls and reducing lawn fertilizer usage.  At Senator Brubaker's request, the EPA representatives agreed to present additional information on financial resources that will be available from the federal government to help the state meet federal TMDL goals.

Senator White asked the EPA to provide additional guidance to farmers on the best management practices that qualify for federal funding, and cautioned that the EPA's emphasis on the Chesapeake Bay watershed should not be a distraction from water quality issues in other parts of the state. 

Hearing Video/Written Testimony

Committee Hears Testimony on Modernizing Urban Areas

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, chaired by Sen. Gene Yaw (Lycoming), held a public hearing Thursday to hear testimony on the importance of modernizing urban centers across the Commonwealth.

The hearing focused on how community organizations, businesses and others can work together to modernize and improve urban areas and target investments that will help these areas to continue to be assets.

Several of those testifying discussed the need to improve energy efficiency and green technology to support economic development and encourage companies to stay or relocate to urban areas.  They said providing good transportation networks and educational opportunities are also two priorities for improving urban areas.

In the Spotlight

Examples of DEP permits include NPDES – National Pollution Discharge Elimination System -- air permitting and solid waste permitting. 

In addition to DEP Secretary John Hanger, testifiers included an environmental lawyer, Aqua America, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, Country View Family Farms based in Lancaster, and the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association.  

The committee heard concerns about the length of time for DEP permit reviews and approvals, and that regional offices are not always consistent in interpreting laws and regulations when reviewing and granting the permits.  Some ask for inconsequential information, are not timely in requesting additional information from the applicant, or take too long to say that the application is incomplete. 

Testifiers shared some suggestions on improving the process, such as an increased use of pre-application conferences between applicants and the department, and the use of third-party reviews.  One testifier stressed the need for increased cooperation and coordination by DEP with other state and local agencies, such as County Conservation Districts, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the Game Commission.   

Another testifier suggested that in the case of a complex project, DEP could designate an ombudsman who would serve as a point of contact for an applicant, as well as coordinate the department's staff.  One possible solution is electronic permitting, making the application process computerized and standardized. 

Senator Erickson said: "It's my hope that DEP, stakeholders and the Legislature can work together to bring the application and permitting process into the 21st century.  By implementing some of the suggestions made today and streamlining the process, more effort can go into environmental protection and economic development, and less into paperwork."

Fast Facts

SAMPLE OF PERMITS ADMINISTERED BY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

  • Air Quality Permit
  • Coal Mining Permit
  • Blasting Activity Permit
  • Explosives Purchase Permit
  • Industrial Minerals Permit
  • Oil and Gas Permit
  • Well Drilling Permit
  • Municipal Water Permit
  • Municipal Landfill Permit
  • Biosolids Permit
  • Dam Permit
  • NPDES – National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit
  • Single Residence Sewage Treatment Plant Permit
  • Wet Weather Overflow Discharge from Combined Sewer Systems Permit
  • Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Permit
  • Water Allocation Permit
  • Water/Wetlands Permit

PennDOT Traffic Alert
Lane Closures Continue Through Friday on Parkway West 

Pittsburgh – PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists single lane closures will occur nightly on the Parkway West (I-376) beginning on Sunday night, March 28, in Allegheny County, weather permitting. 

The following restrictions will occur:  

  • Intermittent single lane closures will occur as needed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday-Wednesday nights, March 28-31, in both directions on the Parkway West between the I-79 Interchange (Exit 64, Old Exit 1) and the Beaver County line. Crews will be installing new signs as part of the I-376 re-designation. 
  • Single lane closures will occur on the Parkway West in both directions on the deceleration lanes under the bridge that carries Steubenville Pike over the Parkway West before the outbound (westbound) off-ramp to Route 22/30 (Weirton/Steubenville Pike Exit 60A) and inbound (eastbound) off-ramp to Route 60 (Crafton Exit 60B). The far right lane will be closed in both directions from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday-Friday nights, March 29-April 2. Two lanes in each direction and the off-ramps will remain open. Crews will be performing bridge pier repairs.  

Motorists should use caution and be prepared for changing traffic patterns. 

PennDOT is also advising motorists some conflict between exit numbers on overhead and ground mounted signs may occur as the work progresses. The numbers may be different in some areas until all of the signs are updated. 

Re-designated in 2009, Interstate 376 now officially extends from the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Monroeville, Allegheny County, to Interstate 80 in Mercer County. The roadway previously was designated as three different routes including I-279, U.S. Route 22/30 and PA Route 60. Work to create this change started many years ago. The re-designation of I-376 was included in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) legislation in 2005. Since SAFETEA-LU was signed, PennDOT District 11 has been coordinating efforts as well as designing and constructing projects to make this interstate re-designation a reality. Re-designation sign work in Beaver County and on the Parkways East and North was completed in 2009; Lawrence and Mercer counties will occur this summer. Sign changes in Allegheny County will be completed this spring.  

To view a complete list of old and new exit numbers including a map, go to www.dot.state.pa.us/district11. A link is provided on the right.    

The sign work is included in the $13.7 million project that is improving safety and mobility at the busy intersection of Route 22/30/60 with the Parkway West in Robinson and North Fayette Townships. The project will reconfigure the existing interchange to improve weaving movements and provide for increased safety and efficiency. Work also includes reconstruction and resurfacing, bridge improvements, wall construction, drainage improvements, guide rail, curbing, highway lighting, signing and other upgrades. Construction will conclude in late 2010. Gulisek Construction LLC of Mt. Pleasant is the prime contractor for the project. 

The Route 22/30/60 interchange project is being funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Statewide, Pennsylvania is receiving more than $1 billion for highway and bridge projects from the ARRA. To learn more about how the federal economic stimulus will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.  

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling.   

CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAP OF GENERAL AREA

Fort Pitt Bridge Ramp to 10th Street Bypass Closed Thursday and Friday 

Pittsburgh – PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists the ramp from the Fort Pitt Bridge to the 10th Street Bypass in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will be closed on Thursday and Friday, April 1-2.  

Crews will be performing electrical work for new traffic cameras. The short-term closures will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Traffic will be being detoured using the Fort Duquesne Boulevard off-ramp.  

The $23.3 million Fort Duquesne Bridge Preservation Project includes improvements on 16 bridge and ramp structures interchanging with the Fort Duquesne Bridge. Work includes latex overlays, spot/zone painting, steel repairs, expansion dam replacements, concrete deck and substructure repairs, resetting rocker bearings, signing and pavement markings, and other miscellaneous improvements. 

The prime contractor for the project is the Trumbull Corporation of Pittsburgh. Construction will conclude in fall 2010. 

The Fort Duquesne Bridge preservation project one of 13 projects in PennDOT’s three-county District 11 region being funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Statewide, Pennsylvania is receiving more than $1 billion for highway and bridge projects from the ARRA. To learn more about how the federal economic stimulus will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov. 

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling.    

CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAP OF GENERAL AREA 

PennDOT Announces First Full Closure of Outbound Fort Duquesne Bridge Weekend of April 9-12 

Pittsburgh – PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists the outbound (northbound) upper deck of the Fort Duquesne Bridge (I-279 Parkway North) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will be fully closed during the weekend of April 9-12, weather permitting.  

The closure will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 9, and continue through 5 a.m. on Monday, April 12.  

Crews will be performing hydro-demolition, milling, and latex resurfacing the upper deck of the bridge. The closure will begin at the ramps from the Fort Pitt Bridge. Motorists will not be able to exit from the Fort Pitt Bridge to the Fort Duquesne Bridge. The ramps to and from the 10th Street Bypass and Fort Duquesne Boulevard will be closed as well as the off ramps from the outbound bridge to northbound Route 65 and Reedsdale Street (North Shore). Signs will be posted to guide motorists around the closures.  

Posted detours:

From the inbound Parkway West:

  • At the entrance to the Fort Pitt Tunnel, traffic will be directed to take the off-ramp to northbound Route 19/51 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard - Exit 69C)
  • Take northbound Route 19/51 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard) to the West End
  • At signal, continue through intersection onto the West End Bridge
  • Follow signs on north end of West End Bridge to Route 65 or Reedsdale Street    

From the inbound (westbound) Parkway East/Downtown area:

  • Take the (outbound) westbound Fort Pitt Bridge
  • Before entering the tunnel, move to the right lanes and exit onto West Carson Street (Route 837)
  • Follow West Carson Street to ramp to West End Bridge
  • Turn right onto West End Bridge
  • Follow signs on north end of West End Bridge to Route 65 or Reedsdale Street    

Ramp detours

Inbound

  • From Fort Pitt Bridge, continue traveling straight into downtown
  • Make left onto Commonwealth Place
  • Access Fort Duquesne Boulevard

Outbound to Fort Duquesne Bridge

  • Follow detour above for Parkway East/Downtown area  

The $23.3 million Fort Duquesne Bridge Preservation Project includes improvements on 16 bridge and ramp structures interchanging with the Fort Duquesne Bridge. Work includes latex overlays, spot/zone painting, steel repairs, expansion dam replacements, concrete deck and substructure repairs, resetting rocker bearings, signing and pavement markings, and other miscellaneous improvements. 

The prime contractor for the project is the Trumbull Corporation of West Mifflin. Construction will conclude in fall 2010. 

The Fort Duquesne Bridge preservation project one of 13 projects in PennDOT’s three-county District 11 region being funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Statewide, Pennsylvania is receiving more than $1 billion for highway and bridge projects from the ARRA. To learn more about how the federal economic stimulus will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov. 

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before heading out. 

CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAP OF GENERAL AREA 

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Engineering District 11
Dan Cessna, District Engineer
45 Thoms Run Road
Bridgeville, PA 15017

Jim Struzzi, Press Officer
(412) 429-5010
 
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