FUNDING: $68 million transportation fund shortage expected for Philly area through 2040

The new long-range transportation plan for the Philadelphia area submitted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission this week warns authorities to expect a $68 million shortfall in transportation funding through 2040. The projection encompasses a nine-county area in southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

The long-range plan—which must be revised by the commission every four years—estimates that regional authorities would need $120 billion over the next 27 years to fully address transportation needs in the area. Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania would need $95 billion, of which they’re only projected to receive $33 billion. Simultaneously, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties in New Jersey will need $25 billion to adequately address transportation needs; the report projects they will only have $19 billion.

To combat the problem, the report suggests limiting attention to existing services and facilities rather than trying to expand. More spending by local interests is also encouraged, but could be limited due to federal constraints.

The commission also included a new mandate that greenhouse gas emissions levels should be reduced 60 percent from 2005 levels by 2040.