Release Date: Wednesday, November 10th 2010

PDP Launches Awareness Campaign Targeting PA's Transportation Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2010

Contact:

Jessica Presutti
FSC Marketing Communications
412-471-3700

Hollie Geitner
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
412-566-4190  

PittsburghDowntown Partnership Launches Awareness Campaign Targeting Pennsylvania's Transportation Crisis 

 Community involvement encouraged through new interactive, informational website, keepPGHmoving.com

PITTSBURGH, (Nov. 10, 2010) – The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), announced that it is launching a grass-roots, community-driven campaign to raise awareness of Pennsylvania's transportation funding crisis. Designed to stimulate legislative action in Harrisburg and resolve the Pennsylvania transportation crisis, the initiative will be spearheaded by a newly created website, keepPGHmoving.com, which will easily allow the public to contact state legislators.

According to the PDP, the Pennsylvania transportation funding crisis will affect everyone who lives in the state, the region, and the City of Pittsburgh. The campaign’s goal is to encourage the community to become part of the transportation funding solution by getting involved now.

“As a city, we've earned recognition as a great place to live and work, but that distinction is at risk if we do not rise up as a community to do something about the transportation crisis,” said Mike Edwards, President and CEO of the PDP.

“One of the Harrisburg-targeted messages on keepPGHmoving.com says it all, ‘We Can Solve This Together.”

Visitors to the website can create tailored messages, or choose from prepared messages, and share them via Facebook and Twitter. The gallery of messages on keepPGHmoving.com that can be sent to state legislators reflects the broad repercussions of the transportation crisis. Among the messages are, “Let’s Not Become One Big Traffic Jam,” “The City Will Lose Downtown Jobs,” and “Let's Not Add More Commute Time.”

Following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s denial of Pennsylvania’s request to toll I-80 this spring, PennDOT was faced with a $472 million budget shortfall.

“There are 84 unfunded road and bridge projects in PennDOT District 11,” said Lucinda Beattie, Vice President of Transportation for the PDP. “Some are structurally deficient bridges which will not be repaired, so the total number of unsafe bridges in our region will increase each year. Highways will not be repaired. To put this in perspective, in 2012 PennDOT District 11 will only complete 26 transportation projects worth $119 million, after reaching 123 transportation projects worth $472 million in 2010.”

Locally, the Port Authority of Allegheny County has a $47M shortfall, which if left unresolved, will force a 35 percent service cut to take effect this March, resulting in fewer transit routes available to serve downtown Pittsburgh. As part of these reductions, 44 routes to more than 50 communities will be eliminated, while service on the remaining bus routes also will be reduced. The remaining communities in Allegheny County with service will experience scheduling reductions. More than 12,500 people will lose access to public transit, and it is estimated that more than 5,250 people will begin driving their car to a downtown work location. In a short period of time, Pittsburgh will experience traffic congestion at levels never seen before. Increased commuter trips and the demand for more parking will force higher rates for both on- and off-street parking.

According to the PDP, employers relying on workers who use public transit may lose a significant number of employees. These same employers may then look outside the downtown area for a more affordable environment in which to operate, causing a decrease in rents, property values, and taxes paid to the City of Pittsburgh.

About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

The PDP is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of business and community leaders, property owners, civic organizations, foundations, and residents who provide energy, vision and advocacy for Downtown Pittsburgh. The PDP’s strategic initiatives include clean and safe services, housing and economic development, arts and cultural outreach, and advocacy.  Working collaboratively with its partners, the PDP strives to create a positive Downtown experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike. 

For more information visit keepPGHmoving.com or DowntownPittsburgh.com