Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Public Stakeholder Meetings Summary of Public Input

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Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Public Stakeholder Meetings Summary of Public Input A series of four public stakeholder workshops were held in the four rural counties of Bedford, Fulton,

1 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Public Stakeholder Meetings Summary of Public Input A series of four public stakeholder workshops were held in the four rural counties of Bedford, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset. The purpose of the meetings was to gather valuable input on the desired vision of the transportation network as well as to discuss any issues or projects that are important to the community. At each meeting, attendees were given an overview of the purpose of a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and how it fits into the transportation planning process. They were also provided an overview of some of the trends and issues related to the regional transportation network. Attendees then had an opportunity to review the previous Long Range Plan s goals/vision and to develop a new or revised vision and goals. Below is a highlight of the discussions from each meeting. Meeting attendance sign in sheets are also attached. Date: September 7, 2011 Time: 6:00 PM 7:00 PM Location: Bedford County Office Complex 100 S. Juliana Street, Bedford, PA The attendees identified a number of issues or considerations that were important to both the overall vision as well as project selection. These items included safety, economic development, recreation/trails, public transportation, passenger rail service, and public impact/involvement. The concern over limited funding for maintenance of locally owned roadways and bridges was also mentioned as an important issue to consider, as the local system makes up an important component of the transportation network. It was mentioned that in cooperation with PennDOT, SAP&DC will be completing an inventory of local roadways and local bridges between 8 and 20 feet. A comment was received to consider placing township owned roads on the TIP for funding, as liquid fuels funds are limited. The need to coordinate with DCNR on trail projects was also discussed. Many felt that public transportation should be an important part of the regional vision, although some stressed that public transportation should be self sustaining. It was also noted that the Bedford County Airport was currently developing an airport zoning ordinance that should be completed by the end of the year. Attendees seemed to agree that the first two goals from the 2003 plan are still most important: Continue to develop a modern limited access highway network, and to focus on maintenance of the existing infrastructure. A discussion was also had regarding transportation funding. The Governor s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission Report (TFAC) was discussed as a source identifying longterm transportation funding alternatives. Projects mentioned included: Route 56 Peggy Westover Curve Route 220 South to Maryland improvements Possible site distance improvements on several locations along Route 96 in Londonderry Township Downtown Bedford to Bedford Springs connecting trail SR 3005 culvert replacement near intersection of T 336 in Southampton Township

Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Public Stakeholder Meetings Summary of Public Input Date: September 8, 2011 Time: 10:00 AM 11:30 AM Location: Somerset County Office Complex 300 North Center

2 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Public Stakeholder Meetings Summary of Public Input Date: September 8, 2011 Time: 10:00 AM 11:30 AM Location: Somerset County Office Complex 300 North Center Avenue, Somerset, PA The attendees discussed a number of issues and considerations for the overall vision of the transportation network. Attendees stressed that both safety and economic development were important to the transportation network. The completion of Route 219 would not only support economic development, but also improve safety. Commissioner Vatavuk also commented that it is important not just to consider the current traffic along a road, but to look at what traffic would be along a road if the road was safer to drive. Several attendees mentioned the importance of maintaining the current infrastructure. However, some in the group felt that the primary goad should be to develop a modern highway system. Attendees were in agreement that this goal was a top priority, and it should not only include highways, but also all modes of transportation including rail, air, and public transportation. The desire to streamline human services transportation was mentioned, as there are many providers of these types of services. Some felt that funds should be spent on highways and bridges rather than on public transportation. Ensuring the safety, efficiency, and usability of the freight rail system was also suggested as a goal. In addition, passenger rail service was important to those in attendance, with emphasis on passenger rail service at Rockwood, which is currently being studied. There was also a discussion on federal and state mandates and regulations, referred to by some as unfunded mandates, which can negatively impact project schedules and budgets. The need for funding for transportation projects was also mentioned, although it was stressed that any additional funding needs to be spent on projects. Other issues that were discussed were increased impacts on the local roads in small towns from both the Mining and Marcellus Shale industries, as well as mobility issues for oversized trucks on state and local roads. Improvements to PennDOT s computerized system for road permits were also mentioned, as sometimes trucks are sent along long routes that do not provide easy mobility. Another comment was received that recommended investigating the feasibility of developing roundabouts at key intersections to improve safety, traffic flow, and fuel efficiency. Written comment was received from Senator Richard Kasunic in support of the completion of Route 219 from Somerset to Meyersdale and for the ultimate goal of completing Route 219 to the Maryland State line. Projects mentioned included: Completion of Route 219 from Somerset to Meyersdale Environmental Study from Meyersdale to I 68 in Maryland Passenger rail access in Rockwood Monitor/improve access along routes to Flight 93 Memorial

Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Public Stakeholder Meetings Summary of Public Input Date: September 13, 2011 Time: 1:30 PM 2:15 PM Location: Fulton County Commissioners Office 116 W.

3 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Public Stakeholder Meetings Summary of Public Input Date: September 13, 2011 Time: 1:30 PM 2:15 PM Location: Fulton County Commissioners Office 116 W. Market Street, Suite 203 McConnellsburg, PA Attendees reviewed the goals and vision of the current plan and discussed issues and considerations that are important now. With an ageing population, public transportation and human services is important to the county, and support for these services needs to be included as a goal. Maintenance was another goal that was still very important. There was also a suggestion that the first goal listed should support a modern highway system, not a limited access highway system, which cannot be financially supported given the current fiscal climate. Safety should also be added as its own goal. Safety for bicyclists and pedestrians was also important, and a safe trail/connection from Lions Club Park to McConnellsburg Borough was mentioned as one area where improvements are needed. Commissioner Hoover discussed several transportation projects in the county that have been in the planning stages for many years that are just now being constructed. He also commended PennDOT District 9 0 for their excellent job at using funds efficiently as well as their ability to secure left over funds from other sources. Supporting economic development was also discussed, and providing adequate linkages with the existing business park near McConnellsburg was mentioned as an important consideration if future development were to occur. The County also presented their top five priority projects for consideration for the current Transportation Improvement Program update. Date: September 14, 2011 Time: 6:00 PM 7:00 PM Location: Huntingdon County Greater Career and Technology Center Technology Drive, Mill Creek, PA Attendees reviewed the goals and vision of the current plan as well as a summary of the transportation goals from the Huntingdon County Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Survey. Important issues that were discussed included economic development, safety, public transportation, land use, rail, and bicycle and pedestrian safety. Access control measures along major highways like Rt. 22 were stressed as an important means to ensure safety and mobility along those roadways. The desire to develop Rt. 22 as a controlled access highway was mentioned as a priority. Maintenance of the existing infrastructure was also an important priority. Maintenance was the top priority in the County s transportation survey. The desire to have funding available to do more than band aid the problems was also mentioned. Many agreed that since funds are limited, a focus should be placed on arterial highways. The need for funding for transportation projects was discussed, although ensuring that any additional funding would be used for projects was stressed. Public transportation was felt to be important to help serve an ageing population. A suggestion for a goal was to reduce consumption of fuels and resources through increased inter and intra city access via

4 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Public Stakeholder Meetings Summary of Public Input public transportation, including rail and bus/human services transportation. The need to encourage the Pennsylvania Utility Commission to release bus rights to routes in the county was also mentioned. Improvements to both passenger rail services and rail freight was also discussed as important. The importance of the rehabilitation of an old rail spur from the Mount Union Connecting Railroad would provide access for the Riverview Business Park. Lack of access from rail and highways was cited as a hindrance to development at the business park. Ensuring the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians through sidewalks and trails was discussed, with specific mention of Huntingdon Borough where nearly 10% of workers walk to work. Projects mentioned included: Development of Rt. 22 as a controlled access highway Rehabilitation of an abandoned rail spur to the Riverview Business Park

5 From: To: cc: Subject: Date: Anne C. Stich; net; Comment - SAP&DC Tuesday, September 13, :25:52 PM Anne - We need to get on the map to get our trail under/over Route 22 near the Thousand Steps. Here's some detail; - The approved SAP&DC Open Space and Trails study developed a greenway called the "Tuscarora Greenway" which happens to coincide with the trace of the Standing Stone Trail (SST). Working with Mark K Seville in Fulton County, we have now eliminated all the road walking (4.2 miles on US522 and Sinoquipe Road); the Tuscarora Greenway is now complete Fulton County and it was completely built by members of the Standing Stone Trail Club. - In Huntingdon County, our club participated in the Mapleton Depot Park Committee and together, we have developed Phase II which is a trailhead on several acres along the Juniata that will provide camping, pavilion, water, facility, picnic benches and parking for long distance backpackers. I say long distance in that the Standing Stone Trail is part of the Great Eastern Trail (GET) that now stretchs from Florida to near Lake Champlain in northern New York state and most of it is done/built/available to hikers now. - Both Mapleton Depot and Three Springs have declared themselves as a "Trail Town" per the DCNR program to take advantage of the commerce of tourism that will develop as the GET gets better known - much like the Appalachian Trail. The trailhead is the first fruit of this endeavor and we hope to develop something similar in Three Springs. In June we constructed an cedar log adirondack type shelter on Jacks Mountain about midway between Mapleton & Three Springs to accommodate long distance backpackers - it sleeps about eight. - About a year ago I invited Stahl (Hunt Co Planning), Swan ( PennDOT Bike & Ped at Hollidaysburg). Piatkowski (DCNR) and Mapleton people to come out and scope the possibility of establishing a crossing of US 22 for the SST near the Thousand Steps. It is a hazardous crossing as fishermen must cross from the parking to the Juniata, avoiding ever increasing traffic while lugging bait pails and the like. Additionally, the SST will relocate its trace to the north bank of the Juniata to the vicinity of the Thousand Step and backpackers will have to hazard this very same crossing - for both it is a matter of that SAFETY can't be ignored any more. - After that meeting I was advised that there was no interest in establishing a

6 safe crossing for fishermen and backpackers. I since attempted to get Rep Mike Kemp (maintains a Section of the SST on Blacklog Mtn) to come up with an "earmark" to fund the crossing and he advised there was no money for it. The same for Sen Eichelberger's office - no money. Yet we know that there is Federal resources for this kind of project but it appears there is no interest from either Huntingdon Co or PennDOT - not even the Technical Committee. And so I ask you to take up this challenge. - The Standing Stone Trail has developed a 5 Module Master Plan and has had those sections with relocations in State Forest and Gamelands approved and now being constructed. The idea was to make the trail meet our Club's Vision of being the premier foot trail and we are doing it. We have been cited by Buchanan State Forest twice for the excellent construction of the improvements in that area. But we cannot overlook the SAFETY of fishermen, backpackers and day hikers who must cross busy hiways. We comply with PennDOT requirements for marking hiway crossings as we are designated by them as an official Footpath Maintenance Group per agreement but this does not begin to approach the safety needs of "burdened" fishermen and backpackers - only by going over or under US Route 22 will a high measure of safety be assured. - And so we ask you to carefully consider our request. What would we do if a fisherman or backpacker was seriously injured trying to cross US22? And what is the value of an "approved" greenway in a plan if those who want to take it to a conclusion are shunted aside? Just doesn't seem to make sense especially when the Department of Interior is passing out big bucks to trails nationwide. Is there any chance you can carry the water for us to get over/under US22?? Carl Lorence Projects Manager Standing Stone Trail Club, Inc for free maps (new Map 4) and links to the GREAT EASTERN TRAIL

7 Testimony of Brad Clemenson Pennsylvania Environmental Council 538 Park Avenue Johnstown PA Phone Regarding the Year Program of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation August 11, 2011, Altoona, Pennsylvania I serve as a lead partner in the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative, a broadly collaborative project that works with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, other state agencies, communities and non-profits. Our goal is to revitalize communities and expand local and regional economies through sustainable resource use and development. As such, we are working to make the communities in the Laurel Highlands move liveable through pedestrian and bicycle trails, walkways and designated bicycle routes, and to develop a number of broader trails that connect these communities to natural and cultural resources. These connections can attract more visitors as a means of economic development while improving the quality of life in our area, which in turn can help us attract entrepreneurs and businesses that create more jobs. That is why we ask that PennDOT continue to advocate for and support livable communities, smart transportation, alternative transportation and trail projects with its own funding and in other programs that support and fund these types of initiatives. Most important among these programs is the federal Transportation Enhancements program, 1

8 which is up for renewal in Congress. The federal Transportation Enhancements program has provided vital funding to undertake many projects that have brought a significant economic pay-back to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Other programs such as Safe Routes to Schools and the Sustainable Communities initiatives of HUD and U.S. DOT also deserve PennDOT s full support. Several specific trails, bikeway and livable-community projects deserve to be highlighted in the Laurel Highlands region. These projects deserve the full support of PennDOT within the new year Transportation Improvement Program. These descriptions are not necessarily listed in any priority order. Rockwood Amtrak Passenger Rail Station Project Description: A feasibility study is just starting on the idea of creating a new passenger-rail stop in Rockwood along Amtrak s Capitol Limited route. Several meetings were held with Amtrak and other partners, including PennDOT, and the consensus is that this new stop will be feasible. Private money was raised by Somerset County to hire Michael Baker to do the feasibility study. If ramps are needed on both sides of the track, the project could cost $2 million, but if trains can load and unload from the same side, the cost will be significantly less. Need/Benefits: Improved rail access will be a tremendous boost for environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism in the region, especially along the Great Allegheny Passage and for nearby ski resorts that are happy to shuttle people from the proposed train station to their resorts. Amtrak is also developing roll-on/roll-off passenger cars which, in combination with current stops in Connellsville and Cumberland, will provide a huge influx of bicycling tourists. Downtown Johnstown PCTI Phase II Project description: The City of Johnstown is currently designing a direct connection from Main Street to Route 56 as a PTCI project. Construction funding will be needed after design is done. This project will extend Main Street approximately 50 yards utilizing a small parking lot for the Point Stadium. A traffic signal will be relocated a short distance from the intersection of Johns Street and Route 56 to this location. Need/benefits: Access into Downtown Johnstown will be greatly improved with this direct connection, which will aide in the recruitment of new businesses and thus in the economic revitalization of the City and the region. Other aspects of the PCTI project with construction money in hand are the crosswalks, bike lanes, greening and other features that will benefit from the direct highway link. 2

9 Main Line Canal Greenway Description: The Pennsylvania Main Line Canal Greenway will connect Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. Several portions of the trail have been completed, including part of the Lower Trail in Blair and Huntingdon Counties, part of the Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County, most of the West Penn Trail in Westmoreland County, and the Roaring Run Trail in Armstrong County. Planning is underway on most of the gaps. Benefit/Needs: This greenway is extremely rich in both history and scenery, and will become a major national trail. The 9-11 National Memorial Trail is favoring this corridor for much of its third leg. Priorities for completion include gaps in the Path of the Flood, City of Johnstown links, Conemaugh Gap Trail, and the Blairsville Route 22 overpass, as well as gaps near Hollidaysburg. Johnstown Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Network Project description: Three trails are envisioned to intersect in Downtown Johnstown the Path of the Flood Trail from the north, the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail from the south, and the Conemaugh Gap Trail heading west parallel to Route 56. The Path of the Flood and Conemaugh Gap trails are part of the PA Main Line Canal Greenway. The Path of the Flood and Mayer trails are proposed as part of the 9-11 National Memorial Trail. All three trails need support, and equally important is the development of safe, on-street connectors through the Downtown and other neighborhoods to serve both visitors and local commuters. Need/benefits: Even without PennDOT funding, PennDOT coordination will be key to create safe bikeped links or road crossings. Bridges should be wide enough for bike lanes. For instance, Route 403 may be the only viable link from Greenhouse Park to the Mayer Trail National Memorial Trail Project Description: The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, changed our nation. Plans are being developed for a triangle of trails linking the three sites using the East Coast Greenway and C&O Canal/Great Allegheny Passage as two of the three legs. A safe on-road connector from Rockwood to the Flight 93 crash site is a very high priority. An on-road Bike the Alleghenies route goes from there to Johnstown, where the Main Line Greenway heads to Harrisburg. Links in Johnstown and Hollidaysburg are critical. Benefits/Need: The many ways to honor the heroes and victims of 9-11 include this trail linking New York, Washington and Shanksville. The trail will be an appropriate and fitting way to 3

10 honor these people and would be a huge economic stimulus as people who use it travel much slower than vehicles and will need more accommodations and food on the way. Pinkerton Tunnel Restoration on the Great Allegheny Passage Project Description: A bypass around the Pinkerton Tunnel in Somerset County is steeper than the rail-trail design that makes up the rest of this trail corridor. A major restoration project is required to make the tunnel safe for pedestrian and bicycle use to re-open it. This project has been on the books for many years. Benefit/Needs: Restoring and re-opening this tunnel will greatly enhance the experience for people who use the GAP by making it ADA-compliant and shorter as a route through the mountain rather than over it. In addition, history and railroad buffs will be attracted to the tunnel as an exceptional feature along the route. Great Allegheny Passage Safety Improvements Project Description: The Pittsburgh-to-Cumberland trail is done accept for the last small links in Pittsburgh, but the communities through which it passes have several locations where safety improvements are needed, both where the trail crosses state roads (e.g. Rockwood) and on connections between the trail and the businesses in town (e.g. Crawford Avenue Bridge in Connellsville). Improvements are needed in Confluence, Rockwood, Garrett, Connellsville and West Newton. Benefits/Need: The GAP already generates over $40 million of direct spending annually in trail towns. Making the trail and the trail-community links as safe and easy as possible is critical to protect the health and safety of users and to protect the investment in the trail and the economic benefits coming from trail users. The Covered Bridge (Laurel Hill Creek) Trail Description: The Covered Bridge Trail will follow Laurel Hill Creek and will link Laurel Hill State Park with the Great Allegheny Passage in Confluence, Somerset County. It will also link three historic covered bridges, hence its name. Most of the 22-mile trail will be developed on the abandoned Ursina and North Fork Railroad spur. Benefit/Needs: Covered Bridge Trail will be a major attraction for visitors because of its connections with Laurel Hill State Park, which includes swimming and canoe rentals on its lake, as well as its connections to the GAP trail, the covered bridges and this remarkably scenic mountain corridor with an excellent trout stream. 4

Draft FY Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Four public hearings to discuss the Draft TIP were held at the following locations:

Draft FY Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Four public hearings to discuss the Draft TIP were held at the following locations: Draft FY 2019-2022 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) The public comment period for the Southern Alleghenies RPO FFY 2019-2022 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) was held May 4, 2018 June 4,