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Pennsylvania Lobbies For Transportation Funds Frozen By Trump Administration

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Pittsburgh Union-Progress reports, it took a lawsuit and some personal negotiation by the governor, but Pennsylvania succeeded this week in obtaining the release of $2.1 billion in federal funds improperly withheld by the Trump administration. However, bargaining continues over an additional $700 million in transportation project grants the state was awarded during the Biden administration. The money in dispute includes $500 million for the replacement of an I-83 bridge in Harrisburg that state officials initially proposed to toll, as well as funding for electric vehicle charging station installation. PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll says the state will find a way to finance the bridge project if federal funding falls through.

According to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D), the state’s lawsuit “was based on ‘basic stuff’ that grade school children know about how the federal government works.” He noted that the state had entered into grant authorization agreements with US officials that the federal government was bound to honor.

Union Members Ratify New US Port Labor Agreement

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FreightWaves reports, nearly all 24,000 International Longshoremen’s Association members yesterday voted to approve a new six-year master contract with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), representative of port employers on the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. USMX members approved the agreement last month. The term of the contract is retroactive to October 1, 2024.

“The approval vote gives ILA members a 62% pay raise over the six years of the contract, accelerated raises and improved benefits. The pact allows terminal operators and ocean carriers to introduce limited automation equipment in container handling linked to guarantees that protect union jobs. . . . The vote ends a bitter fight over automation on the docks that featured a strike that shut down container and vehicle handling for three days this past October.” (TRN inserted a link in quoted text.)

New Swedish Toll Rates Will Favor Fuel-Efficient And Low-Emission Trucks

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trans.INFO reports Sweden will implement a new tolling regimen for heavy commercial vehicles — those weighing over 12 metric tonnes (13.2 tons) — on March 25. Rates will be based on CO₂ emissions and axle count in addition to existing European Union emission classifications. “The changes follow the ratification of an updated Eurovignette agreement, now approved by all participating countries.”

Although rates for many truck will not change, “operators with more fuel-efficient vehicles will benefit from lower tolls. The system is designed to encourage investment in lower-emission vehicles rather than impose a blanket toll increase. Older or less efficient trucks may see similar or slightly higher costs depending on classification. . . . The reform aligns Sweden’s road toll policy with EU environmental targets, encouraging investment in low-emission vehicles while maintaining a competitive transport sector.”

Kansas Turnpike Seeks Roadway Maintenance and Facilities Director Applicants

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The Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Roadway Maintenance and Facilities. The range of responsibilities includes managing KTA maintenance supervisors and staff, ensuring that equipment and facilities remain in good working order, and overseeing a budget, purchasing, and equipment fleets. The annual salary range is $160,000 to $190,000 (negotiable on the basis of experience).

Detailed information about duties, qualifications, and requirements is available online.

Kapsch Engineer Leads WTS Atlanta Effort To Inspire Interest In Transportation Careers And Promote Diversity

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Kapsch TrafficCom announced that Martika Johanson-Murray, one of its traffic systems engineers, will lead a WTS Atlanta Chapter initiative to “cultivate the next generation of transportation talent.”

Ms. Johanson-Murray will chair the chapter’s Transportation YOU Program, which partners high school students with industry professionals to explore STEM careers and seek mentorship through site tours and interaction with guest speakers. This summer, she will lead a six-day immersive summit in Washington DC, “guiding high school students through educational tours and activities, including visits to a local university, the US Department of Transportation, an airport, and Metro trains.”

Ms. Johanson-Murray said, “Mentoring and championing the next generation of female leaders is a cause close to my heart, and I believe it’s essential for a brighter, more inclusive future.” JB Kendrick, Kapsch TrafficCom North America president, commented, “When we uplift and empower women, we open doors to new ideas and innovative solutions that can transform our world. It’s about more than just equity – it’s about creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a difference. Martika’s appointment aligns perfectly with our mission to empower women and promote gender equity in the transportation industry. I look forward to supporting her and celebrating her achievements in the coming years.”

The announcement noted that Kapsch “is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and believes in the power of mentorship and the importance of supporting women in STEM fields.”