Rep. Ed Neilson June 26, 2023 | 7:39 PM
State Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Phila., sponsored H.R. 154, which seeks to extend the governor’s emergency declaration to help repair the collapsed part of I-95.
“We cannot let this project run out of funds,” Neilson said. “I-95 is one of the busiest highways in the commonwealth, maybe even the whole Northeast. This resolution would ensure that we have the funding we need to complete construction on this vital roadway.”
After a truck tanker caught fire and the extreme heat caused a portion of I-95 in Philadelphia to collapse, Gov. Josh Shapiro issued an emergency proclamation on June 12 to acquire federal funds to help fix the collapsed road.
Unless the Senate also acts on Neilson’s resolution, that emergency proclamation will run out in 21 days (July 2) because of a constitutional amendment added to the state constitution in 2021, in which emergency declarations by the governor may only last for 21 days. Neilson said this limitation was enacted to stop supposed overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the highway reopened on Friday, June 23, it’s not a permanent solution. Neilson said that this resolution would ensure the complete rebuild of that section of I-95.
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Ed Neilson.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
16 Old Ashton RoadPhiladelphia, PA 19152
P*: (215) 330-3714
F*: (215) 330-3717
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
127 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202174Harrisburg, PA 17120-2174
P*: (717) 772-4032
F*: (717) 783-1579