Route 219 organization wants PennDOT to get out of first gear

Local News

Discussion

May 13, 2009

By BERNIE HORNICK The Tribune-Democrat Wed May 13, 2009, 11:46 PM EDT

SOMERSET — The takeaway from a Continental 1 meeting Wednesday was much the same as it has been for years: Completion of Route 219 has plenty of local support but needs government funding.

Meg Lauerman, project manager for Continental 1, said, “New York DOT (Department of Transportation) is very supportive. We don’t have that PennDOT support.’’

Buffalo, N.Y.-based Continental 1 is a public/private partnership to create a four-lane trade corridor from Toronto to Miami. Route 219 in New York and Pennsylvania is a key aspect of the project but remains to be completed.

Continental 1 also will hook up with other highways, including Interstate 95.

Lauerman addressed about 20 people interested in the highway’s completion. They included county commissioners from Somerset and Cambria counties, representatives of the area’s state senators, Somerset Borough Manager Ben Vinzani and transit officials.

Lauerman expressed impatience with the pace.

“It has to be done more effectively than four miles per career,” she said. “We have to re-energize the support that has been there for 50 years but has never come through.”

Chris Allison of the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission noted that widening 219 from Somerset to Meyersdale is in the design stage.

But, he added, another $35 million is needed from the state for the construction itself. The federal government has pledged its 80 percent share of the $365 million construction, and Allison expects that cash to stay put.

David Moe of Garrett County, Md., said it would be wise for Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to push for a change in the federal funding formula.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
AP: Almost half of new veterans seek disability
America’s newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at a historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen.

May 27, 2012
Geistown beginning crime watch program
Residents will patrol Geistown streets in the coming weeks as part of a community watch program.

May 27, 2012
Persons of the Week: Nanty Glo vets will remember fallen comrades
Michael Kurtz, Tom Kasecky and Steve Kasecky will be among members of the Loy A. Douglass Post 3489 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Nanty Glo who will be honoring fallen veterans today, Memorial Day.

May 27, 2012 1 Photo
AG candidates face potential conflicts of interest
Both candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general have family ties that could pose a conflict of interest for the one who is elected as the state’s next chief legal officer.

May 27, 2012 2 Photos
Lawmakers: Capitol rallies unpersuasive
Nancy Richey stepped to the podium with a microphone at the Capitol rotunda with the hope that the right people would hear her message.

May 27, 2012
Richland closer to new chief
The search for Richland’s next police chief is winding down.

May 27, 2012
In brief: Thunderstorm downs trees, knocks out power
A late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm brought high winds, hard rain and hail to the Cambria-Somerset region.

May 27, 2012
District Deaths May 28, 2012
May 27, 2012
More Local News Headlines