New signs point out attractions to tourists in this region
Motorists who visit attractions in southwestern Pennsylvania are finding an easier way to reach them, thanks to a new sign system that was officially launched Friday morning. Officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the wayfaring sign along Route 40 at the entrance to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa in Farmington to kick off a sign system designed to guide travelers from major highways to key attractions within the region with a minimum number of signs.
Bright blue-and-white, the signs are attractive, easy to spot and quickly give travelers information on where to find whitewater rafting or bike trails, as well as specific sites like Fallingwater or the Nemacolin Shooting Academy.
“There’s long been a need for signage to showcase the natural treasures and historic features in this part of Pennsylvania,’ secretary John Oliver of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources told the crowd that gathered for the occasion.
That included press as well as representatives from DCNR and the state departments of Transportation and Community and Economic Development, Southwestern Pennsylvania Signing Trust, Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau and the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association.
Mike Krajovic, Fay-Penn executive vice president, explained that work on the project began in 1996.
“We wanted a better way to greet our guests to Pennsylvania and this region of southwestern Pennsylvania and for the residents to see the area in which they live,’ he said.
The plan became a pilot program that officials hope to duplicate in other parts of the state.
Funding was obtained for initial engineering and development through a grant provided to the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau from the state Department of Community and Economic Development in conjunction with funding support from Fay-Penn and several local foundations. Herbert, Rowland & Brubic Inc. were the engineers during the development and implementation of the program. Greene Acres Contracting Co. of Scottdale installed the signs.
The signing region includes all of Fayette and Somerset counties as well as parts of Westmoreland, Washington and Allegheny counties.
Teresa Stoughton Marafino, chairwoman for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Signing Trust, reported that about 230 signs have been installed, including 25 attractions, infrastructure signs, bike trail signs and signs signifying the National Road and the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridors.
Deputy Secretary Michael Ryan of PennDOT, who has worked with this program for the last two years, reported the importance of tourism in this state. Pennsylvania’s second largest industry, tourism created more than 560,000 jobs in 2000 with a payroll of more than $11.5 billion. He said that indirect spending by tourists meant $34.1 billion.
Ryan also noted, “We expect the program to eliminate unsightly sign clutter.’
And he said the program has fostered a public/private partnership.
Rose Mape, executive director of tourism marketing and operations for the state Department of Economic and Community Development, pointed out, “Visitors will now find their way through the area with ease. And when travelers have an enjoyable time, they’re more apt to make a repeat visit.”