Kasunic hopes to expedite local PennDOT projects
State Sen. Richard A. Kasunic (D-Dunbar) has asked Allen Biehler, Gov. Ed Rendell’s choice to head PennDOT, to fast-track important area highway projects such as the Mon/Fayette Expressway, the Route 21 widening and Connellsville Airport runway expansion. “As a Pittsburgh native and former executive for the Allegheny County Port Authority, I am confident Al Biehler will be a proponent of our region’s transportation needs,” Kasunic said. “I believe he will make an excellent transportation secretary.”
During a private meeting, Kasunic said, he urged Biehler to support and help expedite numerous transportation projects in the region.
“I certainly asked him to back the continuation of the Mon/Fayette Expressway’s Uniontown-to-Brownsville section as a priority and to not let the project be delayed while they iron out issues concerning other segments of the project,” Kasunic said.
He asked Biehler to expedite work on updating and widening Route 21, which he said would “enhance safety while preserving business activity along the corridor,” and to support expanding the Connellsville Airport runway.
Kasunic said he also discussed the Walnut Hill diamond interchange, Route 40 upgrade and a variety of railway and river opportunities that would benefit the region.
Rendell nominated Biehler for the PennDOT post weeks ago. Kasunic predicted that the Senate will quickly confirm Biehler to the position.
“While I am proud of the highway construction money I helped bring back to our region over the years, I am very enthusiastic about working with a Democratic appointee from our region who already understands our unique transportation needs,” Kasunic said.