Turnpike Commission's budget freeze to affect Butler Transit Authority
Butler transit officials are preparing to “weather the storm” as its major funding source is shut down amid a legal challenge.
According to several news outlets, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is being sued by two major trucking groups. That lawsuit is freezing funds that the Turnpike Commission is obligated to annually pay to the state.
“Disruption of this funding plan holds serious consequences for transit agencies across the state and the Amtrak service Pennsylvania subsidizes,” Erin Waters-Trasatt, the communications director of the state's Department of Transportation, wrote in an email.
Until the turnpike's legal battle, Butler Transit Authority received a cut of the Turnpike Commission's funding and it will now have to fall back on reserves, according to John Paul, the county transit authority director. The authority operates one trolley and six buses for local service and five buses for trips to and from Pittsburgh.
This is an excerpt — pick up Sunday's Butler Eagle to find out what affects the funding freeze could have locally.