Regional planning agency good choice
Regional planning has been a key to the development of many areas across the nation for decades. When government units cooperate, significant positive results can be achieved. Such coordinate efforts have an impact on a wide variety of vital public issues, such as clean water, pollution control, highways and aviation. Federal funding for local projects often requires participation in a regional planning program.
The Fayette County commissioners, after debating the question of joining the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, voted unanimously last week to become members of the commission. Fayette County joins Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Indiana, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
The commissioners were left with few choices. The option of the county joining or forming a rural planning organization is no longer available because the population now exceeds the minimum level to do so.
Regional planning, however, does not mean that county decisions can be controlled by the other eight counties. As a regional agency, the SPC is involved in developing plans for public investments, economic development and local government assistance. It does not dictate local policy to the counties.
Commission chairman Vince Vicites had previously expressed his doubts about joining SPC, and Commissioner Sean Cavanagh said he also had questions about the SPC. They, along with Commissioner Ron Nehls, voted to join the organization.
But Vicites and Cavanagh will be monitoring the SPC activities with an intensive focus on demanding that Fayette County’s projects not be slighted or ignored in favor of other larger counties. This is particularly true with the billion-dollar Mon/Fayette Expressway project.
The SPC’s authority over the expressway project is limited to advisory status. The commission can recommend but not control construction or funding for the expressway. Those decisions are made by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the General Assembly.
Overall, joining the SPC is certain to assist Fayette County’s efforts in many areas, including new jobs, economic development and infrastructure projects such as water and sewage treatment. The county’s voice also will be heard in influencing future regional projects as a member of the group.