The bulk of the allocation, $350 million, will go towards the repair of 411 bridges across the state that have been deemed structurally deficient. The investment will allow PennDOT to begin the repairs this year.

"At a time when this region, the state and the nation are facing very tough economic conditions, Rebuild Pennsylvania will inject much needed stimulus into Pennsylvania's aging transportation infrastructure," says Gov. Rendell in a prepared statement. "This is a step in the right direction in repairing Pennsylvania's structurally deficient bridges."

The bridge repairs could help boost the state's economy. "Certainly a safe and efficient transportation system is critical to any further growth," a spokesperson with the governor's office tells GlobeSt.com. "It's also a matter of safety for the many people already using the bridges."

As part of the legislation, the budget of the aviation grant program has been doubled to $10 million. According to the governor's spokesperson, the program is aimed at helping smaller airports upgrade their facilities. The increased grant program budget will be used to underwrite airfield safety improvements, construct hangars and make improvements to terminals.

"When you have an improved transportation system, especially in rural areas or small communities, it makes those areas more attractive to big corporations," the spokesperson explains. "Having access to air transportation is very important."

Also important is rail transportation, and the investment includes a $10 million increase in the budget of the rail transportation assistance program. The expanded budget, which now stands at a total of $30 million, will be used to preserve certain railroad bridges, construct and reestablish commercial rail lines, improve safety and add new capacity.

"Rail is an important component of a transportation infrastructure," says the spokesperson. "It's necessary to invest in upgrades and extensions to keep Pennsylvania competitive. There are locations around the commonwealth where corporations could expand or relocate if rail access for their products was better."

"I applaud legislative leaders from both parties who, by working together, not only hammered out a deal to speed restoration on some bridges, but also recognized that air and rail are vitally important if we are to continue to connect Pennsylvania businesses and families to the global economy," the governor said.