Beaver County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs – Transportation Subcommittee was instituted to work with other interested entities in the region to maximize our understanding of the planning, funding and construction methods used in Beaver County. Secondly, through the membership of the Chamber we will volunteer within each of the interested organizations that are responsible for transportation improvements to help insure that The Committee has a solid understanding of the process involved to plan, fund and implement transportation improvements within the County.

Efficient transportation systems and modalities are critical to economic prosperity and quality of life. Accordingly, the Chamber:

• Strongly supports public investment to advance projects that will maximize the movement of people and goods in the region;
• Will engage in the planning process for future projects through participation with the Southwest Pennsylvania Planning Commission, PennDOT and the County Planning Department;
• Seeks to identify projects that are important to our mission and advocate for their inclusion and funding;
• Advocates for projects that will allow downstream development anticipated from the Cracker Plant to readily move into Beaver County; and
• Will coordinate with local and regional transportation agencies to ensure that public transportation is available for the current and future workforce.

In order to accomplish these goals, we will be reaching out to the following organizations to partner, plan and lend our memberships expertise:

The Beaver County Partnership is a primary facilitator for economic growth and community development throughout Beaver County. The Partnership aims to facilitate and develop action plans that enhance economic and job growth, quality education, desirable housing, quality of life and good governance by collaborating with others to form true public/private partnerships.

Beaver County Planning Commission is currently updating their State mandated 10-year plan and continues to champion issues that will improve the lives of all that live, work and play in the County. As part of the planning update the Planning Commission is asking these pertinent questions:

What qualities make Beaver County a good place to live, work and invest? What issues keep the County from reaching its full potential? What assets give Beaver County a special edge? How can it capitalize on its strengths and overcome its challenges?

The Beaver County Comprehensive Plan will answer these questions and provide the County with a framework for continued progress. It will promote strategies that are consistent with the Commonwealth’s Keystone Principles, such as “Redevelop First,” and “Restore and Enhance the Environment.” The goal is to provide the County with realistic, achievable steps that build on past successes and create new paths to prosperity.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission is the regional planning agency serving the 10- county Southwestern Pennsylvania region. The official Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), SPC directs the use of state and federal transportation and economic development funds allocated to the region.

Our Transportation department works with our planning partners to develop the region’s Long- Range (20-year) Transportation Plan (updated every four years) and establishment of a Short- Range (4-year) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) (updated every two years). These activities range from data systems and modeling to special transportation studies to air quality activities

 

PennDOT’s Engineering District 11 (Allegheny/Beaver/Lawrence Counties) is responsible for the state-maintained transportation network in this region. This includes 2,570 total road miles, 1,804 total bridges, and four tunnels. We also work with local governments, elected officials, stakeholders, and the public on keeping people and goods moving safely and efficiently in this region.

The Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA) meets the needs of Beaver County’s mass transit. The BCTA also offers transportation into Pittsburgh via Route 60, departing from several park and ride lots. For transportation to Pittsburgh area via Route 65 from the southern points of Beaver County mass transportation is available from the Allegheny County Port Authority.

The goals of these agencies are indeed common goals, and are extremely important to a vibrant, well planned, livable County. The Committee commits to understanding the process, volunteering with each partnering organization, and advocating for implementation. The Committee will work diligently with our partners to help plan, advocate and implement the projects that are important to all Chamber members and the region as a whole.

If you are a Chamber member and would like to join this subcommittee, please contact the Chamber Office at 724-775-3944 or info@bcchamber.com.

This important community update is brought to you by Beaver Falls Municipal Authority, 1st Consultants, Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Gefsky, Ambridge Regional Chamber of Commerce, Skerlec Contracting, and NovaCare!