Enews Updates - November 23, 2021

In this Update:

Happy Thanksgiving
Sharing the Harvest
Reducing the Hazards and Hassle of Thanksgiving Travel
Stefano and Dowling Announce $500,000 Grant to Resurface Sugarloaf Road
Stefano and Metzgar Announce $250,000 Grant to Rehab Railroad Tracks

Happy Thanksgiving

President Lincoln began his proclamation establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday by writing: “The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.”

It was October 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, but Lincoln pointed Americans toward developments for which the nation should be thankful.

Today, we can be thankful that, despite often heated divisions and the remnants of the pandemic, we live in peace and relative abundance in 2021. I hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving filled with love and gratitude.

Pennsylvania Hunters Provide Food for Neighbors

As families across the commonwealth give thanks, Pennsylvania deer hunters have a way to brighten the holidays for those in need.

Hunters Sharing the Harvest allows hunters to donate their extra venison to food pantries and community assistance centers across Pennsylvania via a statewide network of butchers. Over the last 30 years, the program has distributed nearly 2 million pounds of donated meat.

An average-sized deer will provide enough high-protein, low-fat meat for 200 meals. Hunters Sharing the Harvest is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity funded by public and private sources. Hunters can find the nearest participating meat processor here.

Reducing the Hazards and Hassle of Thanksgiving Travel

Travel experts say all types of Thanksgiving travel are projected to rebound to near pre-pandemic levels this week.

One way to get the most current and relevant Pennsylvania traffic information without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel is the 511PA app. 511PA provides real-time, hands-free traffic advisories for every state roadway in Pennsylvania, and for major roadways in neighboring states of New Jersey and West Virginia.

Quick Tip: AAA says that if you’re hitting the road Wednesday, traffic will be lighter after 9 p.m. If heading out on Thanksgiving, it’s best to depart before 11 a.m.

Stefano and Dowling Announce $500,000 Grant to Resurface Sugarloaf Road

Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Matt Dowling (R-51) announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) awarded a $500,000 grant to Henry Clay Township through the CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program to resurface Sugarloaf Road.

Henry Clay Township will repave 2.8 miles of Sugarloaf Road between Mae West Road and the Stewart Township boundary line. The project will provide a safe road for residents and tourists to travel to and from Ohiopyle State Park.

“Given Ohiopyle’s beauty and incredible recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder that more than one million people visit each year. Because of the volume of visitors and the heavy camping equipment they often bring, Sugarloaf needs some attention,” Sen. Stefano said. “This grant will alleviate the cost that would otherwise be paid by local residents.”

“This grant is truly vital to protecting the safety of local residents and everyone who visits Ohiopyle State Park by way of Sugarloaf Road,” Dowling said. “There has already been a fatality and serious injuries caused by the condition of this roadway and we have been working hard to ensure that never happens again. With increased traffic to Ohiopyle, as well as Kentuck Knob and Falling Water, this project cannot be completed soon enough.”

The project was funded by the CFA, which is an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.

Stefano and Metzgar Announce $250,000 Grant to Rehab Railroad Tracks

Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-69) announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) awarded a $250,000 grant to PBS Coals through the CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program. The funding will be used to rehabilitate railroad tracks for the Cambria Prep Plant located in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset County.

“Trucking coal is no longer a viable option for PBS Coals, and rail transport – which is the more safe and sustainable method – must be used. Especially because PBS Coals provides almost 300 family-sustaining jobs in Somerset County, it is important to continue this project,” Sen. Stefano said.

PBS Coals is planning to rehabilitate railroad tracks beginning at Coleman Junction and ending at the Cambria Plant Loadout at MP. The project includes the removal and replacement of crossties, removal and replacement of double shoulder plates and replacement of 400 feet of welded rail.

“I am pleased to see PBS Coals, Inc. receive the much-needed funding for its Cambria Prep Plant in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County,” Rep. Metzgar said. “As a producer of coal, the company is heavily relied upon for its pivotal role in providing the necessary resources for the metal, energy and industry sectors. However, it cannot continue to do so if there are transportation issues.”

A multiphase approach will replace the worst areas first that are spread out across the entire line. Factors like the rail age and joints, outside turns, or the combination of both will be taken into consideration of the areas that need replaced the most. The 400 foot section being replaced will be a combination of smaller areas across the entire line, not just one particular area.