Corman: Transportation before budget

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman says he's pleased that Gov. Tom Corbett plans to propose a transportation funding plan next year.

Last October, Corman announced he would introduce legislation to enact recommendations delivered that summer by a transportation advisory commission appointed by the governor. But that proposal remained in committee.

"I'm very happy that he plans on introducing and advocating for a transportation bill," Corman said in a phone interview today. "I think that's something that's really needed, and so I think with the governor's advocacy it's something that will get done. That's very positive news."

What's more, Corman said he doesn't think changes to funding for Pennsylvania roads, bridges and mass transit have to wait for the budget battles of the late spring and early summer.

"This is something we can do before the budget, and I think we should," he said. "The sooner we get to it, they can start planning."

He said changes likely would not take effect soon enough for this construction season but could for the following season.