Hello, Readers! Thank you for taking the time to check in on me and my work in the 43rd district and in Harrisburg.

This month, I’m focusing on infrastructure in our region. The Pittsburgh area is no stranger to infrastructure crisis, and I’m looking for ways to fix it. Landslides are a perpetual issue here, and have caused an estimated $4 million in damages a year. Along with my colleague Senator Wayne D. Fontana, I have introduced legislation that would create insurance for landslide protection. There are not significant options available for folks to insure their homes and better protect them against landslides.

In 2013, the General Assembly passed Act 89, providing substantial new funding to invest in our roads, bridges, and public transit systems. The legislation has already led to $2.4 billion of funding for these essential transportation needs. Thanks to additional legislation in 2016, over the next 10 years, PennDOT will be able to use $2.1 billion more on its Road Maintenance and Preservation (Road MaP) program for maintenance and highway and bridge capital projects. For Allegheny County, Act 89 was particularly important for ensuring the financial health of the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Due to Act 89, the Commonwealth now pays over 50% of the operating and 75% of the capital expenses of the Authority.

Another issue I’ve been following closely is water quality and lead lines in the service area of Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA). The authority is now overseen by the Public Utility Commission and that process has been confusing for some customers. I’ve invited PWSA and the PUC to two public meetings on Tuesday, August 28th to answer your questions. Everyone served by PWSA is welcome to attend, here is information on the times and locations. Hope to see you there!

In the 43rd

I’ve recently launched a web series called In The 43rd where I will highlight new businesses and famous institutions from our district. In the first installment, check out the neat story behind Madeleine Bakery in Wilkinsburg. In addition to their fantastic chocolate chip cookies, they also serve a nice lunch menu. Head over next time you’re in the neighborhood; you won’t be disappointed.

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