Fixing Our Infrastructure

By Tony Crocamo

Failing to maintain the commonwealth's assets is standard operating procedure under a 'don't spend' mindset disguised as fiscal responsibility. It is the most expensive way to govern. Homeowners and car owners know if you don't maintain your property or vehicle properly the ultimate repair costs will be higher.

Too many PA communities have antiquated combined stormwater and wastewater sewer systems that gush raw sewage into our streams and rivers during heavy rainstorms.

Floods cause problems for area water systems.

Because of years of neglect, 80% of the state's bridges are structurally substandard. It will take decades, and an increasingly greater portion of the state's transportation dollars, to get the bridge maintenance program back on track. Irresponsible fiscal policies have proven to be dangerously costly measures masquerading as fiscal responsibility.

A government that works for you will:

• Take care of the Commonwealth's assets

• Maintain roads, highways, bridges, water and wastewater systems

• Protect our groundwater, rivers, streams, woodlands and natural areas

• Promote public-private partnerships to address infrastructure needs