Stimulus for Greater Philadelphia: What it Means for Transportation Investment in the Region

Greater Philadelphia will likely receive more than $600 million from the $48.1 billion in transportation stimulus funds, including approximately $318 for highways in southeastern Pennsylvania, $120 million for highways in southern New Jersey, and $193 million for SEPTA.

This Economy League analysis reveals that the stimulus will not chart a new course for the future. But, with a coherent strategy to leverage this one-time shot-in-the-arm, it can serve as a catalyst for change. Its ultimate impact will depend on the extent to which stimulus funds fuel progress towards the broader objective of a world class transportation network. In this, Greater Philadelphia has an opportunity to anticipate and plan for future needs. And of course, developing a shared vision now will prepare the region for new opportunities that arise in the future – and, potentially, another stimulus.