In the near future, the State Senate will vote on a number of key bills that echo the sentiments we have heard loud and clear during summer town hall meetings, public hearings and one-on-one discussions with constituents. 
 
One of the largest topics of conversation and controversy involves the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas industry.  While the Marcellus Shale companies pay corporate and business taxes, many have advocated an additional impact fee to better protect our environment as well as provide funding for locally impacted rural roads and bridges.   We must ensure environmental safeguards are in place as well as provide resources for local governments to repair roads and bridges due to increased usage.  Equally important during this terrible recession, we hope to maximize the number of Pennsylvania jobs created by this natural resource.
 
Nearly $1 trillion federal tax dollars went into President Obama's stimulus package, which was originally hailed as a transportation funding solution.  However, Washington politicians loaded the bill with pet projects that diverted most of the funds from much-needed highway and bridge improvements, leaving state and local governments across the nation facing a major dilemma. 

In August, Governor Corbett's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission presented the Governor and members of the General Assembly with their final report of how to fund the repair and maintenance of our state's infrastructure. 

Currently over a quarter of Pennsylvania's roads and bridges are in need of repair, there is an urgent need for both residents and businesses in this state to improve our infrastructure. This is an issue that we must address soon, before we face disasters similar to the large I-35 bridge in Minnesota which collapsed on August 1, 2007, killing 13 people and injuring 98 others.
 
Finally, in light of the devastation left by Tropical Storm Lee, parts of our area have been ravaged by flooding and are in need of immediate assistance.  Along with setting up satellite offices and helping constituents with filing property loss or damage claims, we are set to introduce a series of bills aimed to helping Pennsylvania families and business rebuild after such a tragedy.  I will also be working with local, state, and federal agencies to seek long-term solutions so that several of our local communities will no longer have to face the threat of floods every time we have a heavy rainfall.
 
While the Pennsylvania Senate will certainly address other issues, these three legislative issues will be the top priority not only for Senators and Representatives, but also for the residents of the 29th Senatorial District who have contacted me.

Senator David G. Argall (R-29)