SOUTHEAST STATE LEGISLATORS MEET ON NORTHEAST EXTENSION PROJECT

 HARRISBURG, JULY 5 – State legislators representing Southeastern Pennsylvania met with Turnpike officials and other stakeholders to move toward resolution of constituent concerns over the proposed changes to the Northeast Extension project.

 State Sens. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery), Connie Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware), Reps. Mike Gerber (D-Montgomery), Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) and Jay Moyer (R-Montgomery) have been talking with Turnpike engineers about proposed revisions to the Northeast Extension.

 "Indications are the Turnpike Authority has heard our concerns and the concerns of the residents and has adapted their initial plans toward a proposal with the least amount of impact on neighboring residential properties," Rafferty said.

 Concerns were originally raised about the amount of property that would be taken (either completely or partially) as well as the location of storm water basins.

 "Working as a Southeastern legislative delegation, and with the cooperation of the Turnpike Authority and local and county officials, my colleagues and I have identified and brought to the planning process the concerns of our constituents," Williams said. "In doing so, we have created the framework for a transportation improvement project that will add value to our transportation infrastructure while minimizing the impact on our constituents. The planning process is moving forward in a positive direction."

 At the latest meeting, Turnpike engineers presented revised designs for the corridor. The proposal significantly reduces the amount of complete and partial takes among the previously affected residential areas. Under the proposal, the overall impact on residents would be significantly reduced. The designs are preliminary and must be reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies before final approval can be granted.

 In a meeting on June 21^st, the officials in attendance (which also included Plymouth Township Councilman Vince Gillen, Leo Bagley of the Montgomery County Planning Commission, representatives from DEP, and Plymouth and Whitpain Township officials) spoke positively of the progress of designs as well as the significant reduction of the residential impact and the Turnpike's willingness to work with elected officials and other state agencies to ensure the future success of the transportation improvement project.

 "I am encouraged by the process but will continue to keep the pressure on with my colleagues from the Legislature to ensure the Turnpike and DEP do their absolute best to accommodate our community," Gerber said.