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Secretary Reber details CodePA funding, permitting tracker and $1 billion housing infrastructure proposal
Summary
In questioning about permitting reform and digital services, Budget Secretary Reber said CodePA would receive a dedicated $3.7 million for a permit tracking database and that a proposed $1 billion critical infrastructure fund would be administered by the Office of the Budget with details to be negotiated.
Lawmakers used the appropriations hearing to press the budget secretary for specifics on the administration’s permit‑tracking, digital services and infrastructure proposals.
Representative Nelson and others asked where the administration placed responsibility and line‑item oversight for the permitting tracker and public permit catalog required by Act 45. Secretary Reber said the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO) performs hands‑on project coordination and is funded through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s general government operations, while CodePA operates as an in‑house tech unit and has separate appropriation language.
On funding, Reber stated the administration proposes "$3,700,000 built into the 26‑27 appropriation for CodePA for the tracking database." He added CodePA has been funded previously through a mix of a direct appropriation and fiscal language tapping other agency funds.
The hearing also examined the governor’s proposed critical infrastructure investment program. Reber said the plan would issue $250,000,000 over four years (totaling $1,000,000,000) to support housing, energy and school facility projects and that the program would be housed in the Office of the Budget to operate similarly to the existing RCAP program. He emphasized the program’s structure — taxable versus nontaxable bonds — determines eligible uses and that final design will require legislative conversation.
Members asked how the administration will ensure local buy‑in and protect consumers from energy price impacts from large data center developments. Reber said fast‑track permitting is managed by OTO, which coordinates with DEP and DCED, and that developers would be encouraged to bring their own power and meet workforce and environmental standards so local costs are not shifted to residents.
The committee also questioned the administration about CodePA’s role in building forms and online services for agencies beyond permitting; Reber said CodePA can build forms and systems but that some federal programs still require hard‑copy processes. He offered follow‑up with departmental partners to clarify planned allocations. The hearing produced no final legislative action; members said they would return with questions and potential fiscal language.
