HARRISBURG – Sen. Devlin Robinson’s (R-37) bill to modernize the membership of the Port of Pittsburgh Commission Board was unanimously approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
“The City of Pittsburgh has long been known for its three rivers and the Port of Pittsburgh Commission plays a vital role in connecting our region’s businesses with the necessary funding to expand and develop commercial use of these waterways,” said Robinson. “Senate Bill 1199 provides an overdue update to the commission’s board membership for improved and more efficient operation.”
Originally founded in 1992, the Port of Pittsburgh Commission is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and serves a 12-county port district that encompasses all 200 miles of commercially navigable waterways in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Robinson’s update, the first in more than 25 years, would reduce the commission from 15 members to 13 by retaining the current four legislative appointments as well as the four members appointed by the governor. The remaining five members would include three appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Planning Commission, one member nominated by the Port of Pittsburgh’s Executive Committee and appointed by the Port’s Board, and one member appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted by the Port’s board.
The legislation now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel, 717-787-5839