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Late last month, the Port Authority of Allegheny County announced plans to slash 35 percent of its light-rail and bus service, cut 500 jobs and hike fares to offset a reduction in state transit funding in 2011. Now, it might not have to.

Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell recently proposed a plan to provide $45 million in economic development funding for the port authority, says agency spokesman Jim Ritchie. The plan would be a “temporary fix” and authority execs will need to continue working with elected officials to obtain a long-term funding solution, according to a statement issued by the agency.

“[We] will examine the proposal in the coming weeks and determine how it might impact fares and service,” authority officials said, adding that they won’t take any action until after the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission considers the matter later this month.

— Angela Cotey