Toll road supporters to meet with Rendell on project
A presentation from governor-elect Ed Rendell will highlight the itinerary for a group of people heading to Harrisburg next week to seek support and funding for the Mon/Fayette Expressway and Southern Beltway projects. A group of about 50 supporters of the toll road projects will head to the state capitol Tuesday for a day-long trek to seek support for a funding strategy called Plan H. The plan would ensure the timely completion of the entire expressway project and the continued advancement of the southern beltway. When completed the Mon/Fayette Expressway will stretch from West Virginia to Allegheny County. The southern beltway is a branch of the road near Pittsburgh International Airport.
The Mon Valley Progress Council is organizing the trip. Council chairman Joseph P. Kirk said he is pleased with the opportunity to speak with Rendell. The trip marks the third to Harrisburg for the group. A trek was also made to Washington, D.C.
Fayette County Commission Chairman Vincent A. Vicites is also joining the group.
“There is no greater issue of importance to Fayette County than the expressway,” Vicites said. He said every opportunity to advance the cause has to be taken.
Vicites said he is looking forward to the first opportunity to meet and talk with Rendell and his staff since the election is over.
“We have to get to him early,” he said.
Kirk said when Rendell addresses the group, it will be his first presentation on a policy issue since the Nov. 5 election.
Also as a part of the itinerary, the group will meet with the southwestern Pennsylvania legislative delegation including the state house of representatives and senate members. State Sen. J. Barry Stout, D-Bentleyville, was instrumental in arranging the meeting with Rendell.
“State Senator Stout has been a major leader for the expressway and beltway projects. His effort to secure a meeting with the governor-elect was crucial to maintain momentum on the expressway and beltway projects and is especially appreciated,” Kirk said. He said it is important to show elected officials that the project is important to the entire community which includes the area stretching from Fayette County to Allegheny County.
“It is a foundation for revitalization,” Kirk said. He said the trip is geared toward building a legislative momentum and consensus to gain a unified southwestern vote.
A key part of the briefing will include a review of innovative financing strategies used to advance major highway projects in other states and discussion of a financing concept development by the Mon Valley Progress Council to complete the Mon/Fayette Expressway and advance the Southern Beltway, or Plan H. the plan calls for a set aside amount of $106 million per year in federal highway funding to the state to support bonds for the completion of the expressway and advancement of the southern beltway. The designation would represent approximately eight percent of highway funding to the state.
Kirk said he is pleased of the number of people who are planning to attend the trip because an entire day is a lot to ask, especially considering eight hours are spent on a chartered bus. He said in the past when people have attended, they have been treated to see one of the more beautiful rotundas in the country by visiting the capitol building.
“It’s a museum in itself,” he said.