March 1, 2006
by Jaime Bumbarger
Mo Valley Bureau Chief
Reproduced with permission.

Circulation Manager:
Cindy Aughenbaugh
Phone: 814-765-5581
Fax: 814-765-5165

Call our Clearfield office at 814-765-5581 to see how you can become a regular subscriber of The Progress!

STATE COLLEGE -- A proposed interchange off Interstate 80 to access a planned landfill and industrial park made its way back before the Centre County Metropolitan Organization for its consideration again.

Six months ago, the CCMPO found the interchange, which would be located seven miles west of an existing exit in Snow Shoe, to be inconsistent with the county's Long Range Transportation Plan. But the issue was revived after Rush Township and Snow Shoe Township requested the CCMPO re-examine the matter in light of recent decisions in both townships. The municipalities asked that the privately-funded interchange be included in the new LRTP the county is preparing to adopt.

Two weeks ago, Rush Township, in a split vote, approved a comprehensive plan, which labeled the proposed site as "industrial enterprise" and stressed the importance of the interchange to seeing this development come to fruition.

Also, last month Snow Shoe Township supervisors voted 2-1 to sign an agreement with Resource Recovery LLC, the developer, supporting the interchange rather than risking the use of local roads to access the site.

Opponents of the landfill, however, hope the CCMPO will reiterate what it said in September -- the interchange is inconsistent with its long-range goals.

"Nothing has changed since the initial CCMPO decision," Rush Township resident Mike Savage told the Coordinating Committee of the CCMPO at its meeting last night in State College.

Joann Gillette of Snow Shoe Township cautioned the CCMPO that the developer has a tendency to change its plans to fit its needs and urged the CCMPO not to cave to pressure, as she and others allege township officials did.

Last fall when the Federal Highway Administration asked the county to review the plans for the interchange and determine whether or not they were consistent with the county's vision of its future, the county commissioners and CCMPO both said no.

Within weeks, Rush Township amended its host municipality agreement with RRLLC and eliminated a clause that restricted the use of local roadways to access the site. RRLLC also struck a deal with Snow Shoe Township officials, eliminating them as a potential barrier.

Opponents of the landfill view the company's actions as insincere, at best, and accused them of coercion. "I ask you to stare down this bully, RRLLC," said State College resident Ed Walsh.

Dan Klees, chairman of the CCMPO, said information was included in the CCMPO members' packets for review, and the matter will be discussed at its next meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 28 at the College Township Municipal Building.

Pat Couturiaux, Rush Township supervisor, said he hopes the CCMPO will have a change of heart about the interchange. "If you were to have a privately-funded interchange, we'd (Rush Township) be in support of it. We'd appreciate the same from you," he said, addressing the CCMPO.

This site contains PDF file downloads. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you may download a free version here.

©2005-2006 People Protecting Communities • last updated March 3, 2006
This site has been developed, designed and maintained with 100% volunteer work. No funds are used.
Please report problems to our volunteer WebHead, TechieR