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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2007
CONTACT:
Lee Derr
717-787-6538
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Senate Passes Orie Bill to Limit State Spending on North Shore Connector

HARRISBURG – The Senate today approved a resolution sponsored by Senator Jane Orie (R-40) urging the Commonwealth to limit the amount of money that it will commit to the North Shore Connector project.

"With the recent announcement by the Port Authority that layoffs and service cutbacks must be made to restore the financial health of the mass transit agency serving our area, it is imperative that we find every means possible to hold down costs," Orie said.  "Should the construction of the North Shore Connector project proceed, we need to ensure that it is done efficiently and cost effectively.

Orie said the estimated cost of the twin-tunnel rail line linking downtown Pittsburgh to PNC Park, Heinz Field and developments on the North Shore has skyrocketed in spite of cost control efforts.

Originally estimated at $363 million, the project cost has now reached $435 million.  Although the federal government has committed to covering 80% of the project's cost and is permitting 20% of the cost to be funded through federal "flex" funds, Allegheny County and the Commonwealth must provide the remaining 20%.  Based on the recent construction cost estimates, the state's cost has risen from $60 million to $72 million in one year.

Orie said Senate Resolution 14 would ensure that the General Assembly will not commit additional state funding to the project. Allegheny County Council has passed a similar motion that limits county funding to the amount of money currently committed to the project.

"The decision by the Port Authority to proceed on the North Shore Connector project must be done with the knowledge that the state's funding commitment has been fulfilled.  And, if costs for the North Shore Connector increase, the taxpayers of the Commonwealth will not foot the bill," Orie said.

Once adopted by the General Assembly, the resolution will be shared with the Pennsylvania delegation in Congress and the presiding members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate.