(4/2023) Report Potholes to PennDOT
As springtime approaches, we should be on the lookout for potholes on our roads and bridges that can damage our vehicles or cause accidents. In the winter, frost heaves occur when water freezes and expands under the road surface. Warming temperatures melt the frost, leaving a cavity under the road that weakens the road surface, making it susceptible to damage by passing vehicles. While we cannot prevent potholes, we can report them to PennDOT to be repaired. Simply call 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
Grants Available to Help Grow Farm Businesses
Recognizing the importance of investing in the state’s top industry of agriculture, applications are now being accepted for Farm Vitality Planning Grants. The program, created by the Legislature with passage of the PA Farm Bill in 2019, offers farmers and prospective farmers up to $7,500 to cover up to 75% of project planning costs. Applications for the program exceeded the funding originally available, and the PA Agriculture Business Development Center has set aside additional dollars to meet demand for the program.
The program has accepted 308 applications to date, funding more than $2 million in project planning, financial and technical expertise to feed farm growth and sustainability. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted. Apply online here. Full program guidelines are published in the Feb. 18 edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Federal Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that beginning March 27, entities can apply for National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grants. In all, PennDOT will receive $171.5 million in federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over the next five years. In round one, PennDOT has advanced appropriations of $25.4 million for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 and $36.5 million for FFY 2023. Some of this amount may be used for labor and workforce training, planning, outreach, and program management as allowed by NEVI guidelines.
Approximately $56 million is anticipated to be available to applicants on a competitive basis to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain EV Station Infrastructure sites across Pennsylvania. The NEVI grant program is a reimbursement grant program and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match. Application deadline is May 5 at 5 p.m. For details and to apply, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/ProjectAndPrograms.
PFBC Grants to Inspire Interest in Fishing, Boating in PA
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is announcing a grant program in support of education programs to promote fishing and boating in Pennsylvania. The R3 grants aim to connect Pennsylvanians with the fun of Commonwealth waterways by teaching fishing and boating skills and providing quality locations where these activities can be enjoyed. Organizations seeking grants are encouraged to engage groups under-represented in the fishing or boating population to learn the benefits of these activities, including community, wellness, and an appreciation for the outdoors.
The R3 grants will reimburse qualifying organizations up to $25,000 for eligible expenses for the period of July 1, to June 30, 2024. The grants require a minimum of 25% match of total project costs. The deadline for submission of R3 grant applications is April 14. More information about the grant program, including the application, can be found on the PFBC R3 Grant Program page on the PFBC website.
House Votes to Bring Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims
The House returned to worked on legislation aimed at bringing justice for adult survivors of child sex abuse whose cases are beyond the statute of limitations. House Bill 1 of special session proposes an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow such victims to take civil action against their alleged perpetrators, regardless of when the abuse occurred. The bill would establish a two-year window during which victims could bring claims.
Amending the Constitution requires the passage of identical legislation in two consecutive sessions, as well as the approval of voters in a referendum. This legislation previously made it through the legislative process twice but did not go to referendum after the Wolf administration failed to properly advertise the question as required by law.
House Bill 2, also under consideration this week, would provide child sex crime victims the same two-year window, but in statute instead of a constitutional amendment. Many lawmakers believe, as I do, that a constitutional amendment is necessary in this case, but House Bill 1 is not the answer. I believe it would open the door to a barrage of lawsuits against institutions – including our schools, which would surely result in increases insurance costs and higher property taxes. Despite my ‘no’ votes, both bills were approved today and now go to the state Senate for consideration.
New Military-Themed License Plates Now Available
Three new military-themed license plates are now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT): the Air Medal, Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans, and Blue Star Family license plates. Applicants for the Air Medal plate and the Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans plates must submit a completed Form MV-150, along with a legible photocopy of their DD214.
The Air Medal plate contains the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors and depicts an image of the Air Medal. The Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans plate is offered only to veterans who served in both theaters of operation. The license plate contains the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors and depicts images of both the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal.
Applicants for the Blue Star Family plate must submit a completed Form MV-920 and certify they are a family member of an active-duty, Reserve or National Guard service member. The license plate contains the standard Pennsylvania license plate colors and depicts an image of the Blue Star Family flag, which has a red border around a white background with a blue star in the center. All are available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds for a fee of $23.
