Pennsylvania has streamlined the process for obtaining permit approval to make infrastructure improvements in aging communities around the state.

Four bridges in Centre County could be affected by the new permit process, said Marla Fannin, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) District 2, which covers Centre County.

"It is not written in stone, but these bridges are on our design plans within the next few years to be either replaced or repaired," she said.

The system requires any municipality performing routine maintenance on bridges, sewers, utility lines or any structure in or near a state waterway to obtain a permit.

Under the old process, applications could take up to 120 days to be reviewed. Now, processing will take about 30 days.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will then evaluate all the projects at once, Knaus said. Before, each project required its own permit.

"They'll list items they intend to improve or upgrade that year all at one time," said Kurt Knaus, spokesman for the DEP.

The bridges include Penns Creek Bridge and Spruce Run Bridge in Spring Mills, Cherry Run Bridge near Clarence, and McCormick Run Bridge north of Unionville.

There are two bridges in State College that are not scheduled for repairs yet, but could be improved more quickly under the new permit program. One bridge is over Slab Cabin Creek near Ponderosa Steak House, 1630 S. Atherton St. The second bridge is the University Drive overpass at College Avenue.

Mark Whitfield, State College director of public works, said both bridges are in "pretty decent shape."

"One thing we've looked at with the University Drive bridge is it really needs to be widened to accommodate extra lanes, bicycles and pedestrians," Whitfield said.

However, any improvements to the bridge must be made by the state, since the bridge is state owned, he said.

DEP and PennDOT will now work together in the permit process.

"These departments recognized the need to share resources and ideas," Fannin said. "From district to district, it will be more of a personal approach in regards to working together. Everyone will be aware of the issues. It will be more personal as opposed to bureaucratic."

The state hopes the new permit process will also help Pennsylvania's economy.

"This is part of an effort of economic revitalization," Knaus said. "Making infrastructure better will ensure and sustain economic growth."

Aside from saving a large amount of time for everyone involved with the permits, the new process will also save money.

"It will be beneficial for municipalities in terms of cost and effort," Knaus said.

However, there is no specific estimate for how much taxpayer money will be saved.

"It is impossible to put a dollar amount on it at this time," Fannin said.