From the Penn State University website: "UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Pedestrian and cyclists’ safety in community settings will be the topic of a web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension at noon July 15. The 90-minute session addresses an important issue. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the number of pedestrians and cyclists killed each year is growing. Research conducted by the federal agency shows that while there … [Read more...]

From PSU Extension: No other issue touches so many aspects of local government -- from economic development, to community planning, to expanding educational opportunities and building government transparency and engaging residents and other stakeholders in community decision-making. In response to COVID-19, schools have closed, and non-essential government employees have been instructed to work from home. These necessary changes in daily life require a necessary service – reliable … [Read more...]

Originally published on TribLive.com. "Online surveys will allow residents of Smithton and Scottdale to provide input for potential improvements to support walking, bicycling and other non-motorized modes of transportation in the communities. The surveys, available through June 30 at smithtonboro.us and scottdaleborough.com, will be used in developing an Active Transportation Plan and a Complete Streets Policy for the boroughs. Active transportation refers to any mode that is … [Read more...]

From TribLive: "A Westmoreland County group has money to explore new ways of connecting Smithton and Scottdale. Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County will use a $25,000 grant to develop a transportation plan that envisions new or improved pedestrian, bicycle and public transit systems between and within the two communities. Known as an Active Transportation Plan, it will take into account the communities’ proximity to Jacobs Creek, the Youghiogheny River, the Great Allegheny … [Read more...]

Published in Pittsburgh Quarterly. "If projections for southwestern Pennsylvania are even close, it could mean that financial instability would leave hundreds of municipalities across Pennsylvania eligible for relief under the state’s distressed municipalities act, making it unlikely the recovery program would be able to handle the onslaught. The study projects the total revenue losses municipalities incur could range from 4 percent to 16 percent, depending on the severity of the economic … [Read more...]