Bridge Update
Rolling Ridge Bridge UpdateAugust 16, 2010
Dear Members,
It has been a long time since I have provided an e-mail update on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail bridge that crosses over the PA Turnpike. There is, unfortunately, some not so good news and I would like to take this opportunity to provide the information that I have.
On March 30th, there was a private meeting held at the Laurel Hill State Park Complex where those in attendance were told that everything is on track for completion of a new bridge and that the funding is secure. While we had our doubts, we proceeded hopeful that what we were told was indeed fact.
On July 28, there was a public meeting held in the same location and the DCNR, State Parks, informed us that while the design of the bridge is moving forward as planned, there is no funding for the project. When asked to provide an estimate of how much of the funding they do have, they said about 30%.
For those who do not know the total estimated cost, the bridge is estimated to be around $1.5 million to replace, so 30% is less than $500,000.
Whether we like it or not, these are the facts. The bridge, at this moment, is scheduled for completion on December 6, 2011. This is 9 days before the start of the 2011-2012 snowmobile riding season. This means that they only have about 9 days for error because any type of construction like this would not take place in the winter. If anything at all goes wrong, it will be a minimum of one more riding season without the bridge.
The 3 local snowmobile clubs have not stopped working towards this cause, even though you may not have seen any recent e-mails. We have mailed or hand delivered between 6000 and 7000 petition signatures to Legislators Reese and Metzgar and Senator Kasunic. They are each still active in this project.
The clubs plan to stay on top of this but we need your help. I know a lot of you have called or wrote letters in the past to the Representatives and Senator I've listed above. I'm asking you to please take the time to do this again. If this project slips at all, instead of just having 2 riding
seasons without the bridge. it could be many more. We must do what we can to secure the funding. Below and attached I have provided contact information again for Legislator Reese, Legislator Metzgar, Senator Kasunic and Governor Rendell.
In addition to this, the local clubs are working with DCNR, State Parks, to set up an account that will accept tax deductible donations. Once this is complete, we will forward that information to you so that you can make a donation if you so choose.
PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING:
Governor Edward G. Rendell's Office
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2500
Fax: (717) 772-8284
Richard A Kasunic (D)
Senate District 32
Fayette, Somerset (part),
Washington (part) and Westmoreland (part) Counties
ADDRESS: Senate Box 203032
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3032
ROOM: 458 Capitol Building
TELEPHONE: (717) 787-7175
D.O. ADDRESS:
1192 University Drive
Dunbar, PA 15431
(724) 626-1611
Carl Walker Metzgar (Republican)
Bedford County (Part) and Somerset County (Part)
Hon. Carl Walker Metzgar
149A East Wing
PO Box 202069
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2069
(717) 783-8756
Fax: (717) 787-2005
Mike Reese (Republican)
Fayette County (Part) and Westmoreland County (Part)
Hon. Mike Reese
409 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202059
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2059
(717) 783-9311
Fax: (717) 260-6502
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you!
Kerri Schott, Vice President
Rolling Ridge Club
vicepresident@rollingridgeclub.org
CELL: (724) 972-7415
P.S. Please note that you can contact your local Representative/Senator as well. The 3 that I listed above are those who are involved in the Laurel Highlands area, but contact with any Representative/Senator will be extremely helpful.