Keystone State News Connection

Emily Scott

Federal enforcement of REAL ID for commercial domestic air travel and other purposes will start one year from today, and Pennsylvania officials are advising residents to make a plan and get their necessary documents ready as soon as possible.

REAL ID is a federal law affecting how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

Keith Brune, chief operating officer of Philadelphia International Airport, said it’s important to think ahead now for future travel plans in 2023, when you’ll be required to have either a passport or REAL ID to fly.

“We would encourage you to start the process for REAL ID sooner rather than later to beat that last-minute rush, which we’re sure is going to happen,” Brune urged. “It’s been a really long time since a lot of people have traveled, and we don’t want anybody showing up and end up being turned away.”

To date, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has issued approximately 1.6 million REAL ID products. Residents can order their REAL ID online if they have been pre-verified. Residents need to show their birth certificate or U.S. passport, proof of Social Security number, two proofs of current Pennsylvania address, and proof of all legal name changes.

It is not required for Pennsylvania residents to obtain a REAL ID and PennDOT continues to offer
standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.

Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Pennsylvania and Delaware, said as you’re making summer 2022 travel plans, make REAL ID considerations a part of it.

“As your driver’s license comes up for renewal, make that decision as to whether or not you enjoy the convenience of domestic air travel using your driver’s license as that form of identification,” Tidwell advised. “We don’t want to see anybody’s trip ruined.”

Other options for obtaining a REAL ID include visiting any PennDOT center open for driver’s license services, or visiting one of the 13 REAL ID Centers in the state.

(File Photo)

(Beaver Borough, Pa.) Paving projects will resume in Beaver today and continue throughout the week according to a post on the Borough’s Facebook Page.
They are asking that all residents and visitors to observe the “No Parking” signs during the project. There will be potential traffic disruptions, parking restrictions and temporary road closures.
The work will be conducted along Walnut Street from Second Street to River Road. The paving projects along River Road will take place from Wayne Street to Navigation Street. Additional patch work will also take place around town throughout the week.
The Borough says that If you see any hazardous conditions please contact the Borough Office directly at (724) 773-6700

(Beaver, Pa.)  After a two year absence because of the pandemic the Penn State Master Gardeners will once again hold their annual spring plant sale this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Penn State Extension Office on Third St. in Beaver.
There will be a variety of hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers as well as handmade stepping stones and birdhouses for that special person.

(McKees Rocks, Pa.) McKees Rocks Police have arrested two men after a traffic stop in McKees Rocks.
Daemon Choat and Kristian Blackwell had an untraceable firearm with the serial numbers destroyed in their possession along with along with extended magazines for the gun and heroin.
Choat and Blackwell are facing felony weapons charges and drug charges

(File Photo)

(Brighton Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting that a New Galilee man was injured yesterday morning in a one vehicle accident on Interstate 376 in Brighton Twp.
Troopers reported that upon arriving on scene at around 7:45 AM it was learned that 74-year-old William Wall was operating a 2012 Ford Escape Eastbound on the Beaver Valley Express Way when he lost control on the wet roadway. Wall’s vehicle slid off the the right side of the roadway and struck an embankment causing it to roll over.
The vehicle was towed from the scene and Wall was transported via ambulance to Heritage Valley Beaver for his injuries. There is no word on his condition.

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) The University of Pittsburgh held commencement for the class of 2022 yesterday at the Peterson Event Center for 2,200 graduates.
A crowd of around 10,000 family and friends attended as
former Buffalo Bills running back and Pitt alum Louis Riddick was the keynote speaker.

On Saturday, Pitt hosted a special graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 who were deprived of a ceremony because of the pandemic and 280 graduates made the walk across the stage.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing work to inspect the westbound I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) bridge over Bradys Run Park in Brighton Township, Beaver County, will occur Monday through Thursday, May 2-5 weather permitting.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing asphalt repairs on Route 989 and Route 2006 (Lovi Road) in New Sewickley Township, Beaver County, will begin Monday, May 2 weather permitting.