Shapiro Launches Permit Fast Track Program in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an executive order to establish the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program, aimed at accelerating the state's permitting process for significant economic and infrastructure projects. The initiative seeks to enhance the commonwealth's competitiveness by reducing wait times and streamlining processes, thereby facilitating faster job creation and economic growth. The Office of Transformation & Opportunity (OTO) will oversee this program, ensuring timely coordination and communication between project sponsors and state agencies, supported by a publicly accessible online dashboard. The program is modeled after the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s FAST-41 Program and follows a successful pilot with three major projects, including the Bellwether District in Philadelphia and Project Hazelnut in Luzerne County. Shapiro emphasizes the importance of government operating at business speeds to foster development and attract investments, marking this as a 'game changer' for Pennsylvania's economic landscape.