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On Friday, the Port Authority of Allegheny County board adopted a $319.8 million operating and $148 million capital budget for fiscal-year 2006.

The authority plans to maintain current fare and service levels, and freeze wages and salaries. The budget includes $45 million in state "flex" money, which the governor approved for state transit agencies earlier this year to provide additional funding while the legislature approves a dedicated funding source.

The budget also includes funds to begin construction on the 1.5-mile North Shore Connector project, which would extend the authority’s light-rail system under the Allegheny River to Pittsburgh’s north side.