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Josephs, State Govt. Committee to review PennDOT withholding of public information during open records hearing

HARRISBURG, Aug. 6 -- In the wake of a bridge collapse in Minnesota, much speculation has been made about the conditions of bridges in Pennsylvania. A newspaper had requested the information of the state Transportation Department, which refused to disclose the information.

As a result, state Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., chairwoman of the House State Government Committee, invited Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler to attend the committee's Tuesday hearing on open records to explain his side of the matter and how the department handles other requests for information under the right to know law.

However, neither he nor a spokesperson for PennDOT will attend.

"Last week…you promised that such information would be shared," Josephs said in her response to the refusal. "I do not understand why you have broken that promise and will not explain to the committee why you have done so. I have made a reasonable request of you. If you have legal authority to withhold the information about bridge safety that was requested, we policy makers need to know what it is, so we can analyze and amend it, if necessary."

Josephs said this was an issue of open records, which is a priority of the House, and of bridge safety, which is important to the public.

"One would think that following the Valentine's Day snow storm earlier this year, you would be more conscience of public perceptions and concerns. I must conclude that, unfortunately, you are not."

Josephs noted that Biehler said he could not attend because of scheduling problems, and that she has extended an open invitation to him to appear before the committee whenever his schedule allows.

The hearing, which was already scheduled to discuss open records legislation, is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7 in Room G-50 Irvis Office Building, Harrisburg.