Philly Leader

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board has approved an amended Capital Budget that adds $95 million in funds made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The approval comes after public hearings were held about the amendment in early March, a press release by SEPTA said this week. It leads to an increase in funding in the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget, from $618.85 million to $713.85 million. SEPTA expects to receive $500 million in additional federal funding over the five-year plan of the infrastructure law. It will be included in the Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget and Fiscal Year 2023-24 Capital Program currently being created.

"I want to thank the southeastern Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation for their unwavering support of SEPTA," SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr. said in the release. "These critical infrastructure funds will help ensure that SEPTA can support this region through the pandemic recovery and beyond."

The funding will help with infrastructure repairs and upgrades as well as design work for station accessibility upgrades on the Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line and Regional Rail. 

"I am proud of SEPTA's commitment to accessibility, including making all Broad Street and Market-Frankford Line stations fully ADA accessible," SEPTA General Manager Leslie S. Richards said in the release. "Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law accelerates these and other initiatives and ensures that our service is equitable and inclusive."

Additionally, the funding supports SEPTA's preparation for the All Stations Accessibility Program, a new program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. SEPTA will also increase capital funding for "Projects of Significance," including Trolley Modernization, King Of Prussia Rail and rail vehicle replacement.

Additional information can be found at septa.org.