Attachment I:Letters of Support

2020 BUILD Grant ApplicationPA 61 Corridor Early Action Safety Improvements

June 23, 2020

The Honorable Elaine L. Chao Secretary United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary Chao: I write in support of the application submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for funding from the United States Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. I urge you to give this proposal full and fair consideration. PA 61 is a principal highway, averaging about 12,000 vehicles per day, which goes through the heart of Schuylkill County, a rural county located in Northeastern Pennsylvania with a population of about 142,000 people. PA 61 provides a vital link between Interstates 78 and 81 and is extremely important to commerce and economic development in Schuylkill County—particularly to warehousing and distribution centers in the area. If granted, the funds requested would be used for the project entitled “PA 61 Corridor Early Action Safety Improvements.” The project calls for reconstructing 2.3 miles of southbound lanes to address slope failures and deficient curves and 1.3 miles of lanes to correct safety issues at the Darkwater Road intersection. Due to the age of the road, PennDOT expects that the southbound lanes will need to be closed during winter and the northbound lanes transformed into a two-way street if these issues are not correct by 2028. The project is critical to assuring safe access for businesses and residents of Schuylkill County to the governmental, commercial and medical facilities in the county seat of Pottsville. If PA 61 is shut down for any reason, the increased distances and travel times for emergency service providers on the detour routes could cost lives. Finally, the challenging terrain the project traverses, the age of the roadway infrastructure, the substandard roadway geometric features and the deteriorating conditions require disproportionate operation and maintenance expenditures for a relatively short stretch of highway.

2

The Schuylkill County region plans to continue the current growth of the warehousing, distribution and logistics sectors with a safe, reliable transportation system that takes advantage of its unique location between the I-78 and I-81 and the proximity to the population centers along the Eastern Seaboard. This grant, alongside the requested state funding, would allow the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to reconstruct PA 61 to ensure safe travel and maintain commerce in Schuylkill County. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff at (202) 224-6851.

Sincerely, Robert P. Casey, Jr.

United States Senator

MIKE TOBASHMEMBER

l25rH Legislative District

HÄRRISBURG OFFICE:48 EAST WINGPO BOX 202125

HARRISBURG, PA 17 I2O-2125(717) 260-6148

FAX: (717) 782-2899

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN OFFICE:988 E. MAIN ST., STE. A

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA 17972(s70) 38s-8235

FAX: (s70) 38s-8238TOLL FREE 855-271-9384

Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaHarrisburg

WILLIAMSTOWN OFFICE:2OO SOUTH \ryEST STREET

PO. BOX 33WILLIAMSTOWN, PA I7098

(PHONE) 711-647-7208(FAX) 117-647-9703

COMMITTEES

RepTobash.commtobash@pahousegop.com

þmøe ntþyrwwrtahfuBN

AGRICULIURE AND RURAL AFFAIRSEDIÌCATIONINSURANCE

VETERANS AFFAIRS ANDEMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

May 14,2020

The Honorable Elaine L. ChaoSecretary, U.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.V/ashington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Chao,

The purpose of this letter is to express my strong support for the application to theDepartment of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)Transportation Discretionary Grants program for the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements(the "Project" hereafter) in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. I appreciate your attention to thismatter.

Schuylkill County is a rural county located in Northeastern Pennsylvania with apopulation of 142,569 people (2019 est.). PA 6l is a principal arterial that goes through the heartof the County. It also provides a vital link between Interstates 78 and 81, with an average of19,200 vehicles per day. PA 6l is extremely important to commerce and economic developmentin Schuylkill County, particularly to manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centers in thearea. The continued operation of this critical link is jeopardized by unstable slopes and geometricdeficiencies.

The scope of the overall PennDOT project encompasses the reconstruction of 4.4 miles ofPA 61, including over two miles of bifurcated highway between the boroughs of St. Clair andFrackville. The PA 6l corridor contains multiple substandard horizontal curves, steepembankments, rock outcroppings, and substandard shoulder widths - all of which lead to unsafeconditions. The pavement along the corridor is in poor condition with portions of the underlyingsouthbound pavement dating back to the late 1910s. In addition, degradation of sections of thesouthbound embankment has jeopardized the stability of the roadway and required PennDOT topermanently close one of the southbound lanes. Temporary slope repairs have been evaluatedand determined to be fiscally unfeasible in the areas of concern. A full reconstruction isrequired in order to adequately address the failing slope, which at its current rate will likelyrequire PennDOT to implement a full closure of the southbound lanes in less than 10 years.

MIKE TOBASHMEMBER

l25rH Legislative District

HARRISBURG OFFICE:48 EAST WINGPO BOX 202125

HARRISBURG, PA 17 120.2125(7t7) 260-6148

FAX: (7 l7) 782-2899

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN OFFICE:988 E. MAIN ST,, STE. A

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA I7972(570) 385-8235

FAX: (570) 38s-8238TOLL FREE 855-27t-9384

þww nlþprwtntahtuBøCommonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg

WILLIAMSTOWN OFFICE:2OO SOUTH WEST STREET

P.O. BOX 33WILLIAMSTOWN, PA I7098

(PHONE) 117-647-1208(FAX) 7t7-647-9703

COMMITTEES

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRSEDUCATIONINSURANCE

VETERANS AFFAIRS ANDEMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

RepTobâsh,commtobâsh@pahousegop.com

Unfortunately, funding is not currently available to address the full scope and needs ofthe overall project. However, a smaller project, composed of a comprehensive set ofimprovements that will address the most critical safety needs and avoid the imminent closure ofa critical segment the roadway, has been identified and named the PA 61 Early Action SafetyImprovements project. This breakout project has independent utility and will prevent the PA 61southbound lanes from being closed by 2028. PennDOT is continuing to pursue funding tocomplete future improvements that will address the remaining safety and structural issues alongthe fuII4.4 miles of the PA 6l corridor, but, until those funds are available, PennDOT will focuson reconstruction of the most dangerous sections of the PA 61 corridor.

PA 6l Early Action Safety Improvement is critical to assuring safe access for businessesand residents of Schuylkill County to the governmental, commercial, and healthcare resourcesaround the county seat of Pottsville. If PA 6l is shut down, the increased distances and traveltimes for emergency service providers on the detour routes could cost lives. Finally, the terrain,and the substandard features contribute disproportionately to the operations and maintenance of arelatively small stretch of highway.

The Schuylkill County region plans to continue the current growth of the manufacturing,warehousing, distribution and logistics sectors with a safe, reliable transportation system thattakes advantage of its unique location between the I-78 and I-81 and the proximity to thepopulations centers along the Eastern Seaboard. The Project will make sure the regional growthwill continue to take place and it will have a positive impact. PennDOT is requesting federalfunding to supplement planned state funding to reconstruct the southbound lanes of PA 6l toensure safe travel and maintain commerce in Schuylkill County.

I appreciate your consideration of my comments and strongly urge you to award fundingfor the PA 6l Early Action Safety Improvements. Please feel free to contact me with anyquestions.

Sincerely,

Representative Mike Tobash

I 25th Legislative District

F

JERRY KNOWLES . MEMBER,1 24TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

DISTRICT OFFICES:2o2East Broad Street

Tamaqua, PAr8z5z-r8r8Phone: (57o) 668-1240

Fax: (57o) gS2-3374

6r N. Third StreetHamburg, PA195z6

Phone: (6ro) 56234llFax: (6ro) 56e-6895

pnuxe ntpryrwwiahfuw

HARRISBURG OFFICE:PO Box 202124

Harrisburg PA 17120-2124Phone: (7r7) 787-gozg

Fax: (7t7) 782-29c,8

COMMITTEES:Education

HealthJudiciary

State Government

E-mail: Jknowles@pahousegop.com

Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaHarrisburg

May 15, 2020

The Honorable Elaine L. ChaoSecretary, U.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Chao,

Please accept my strong support for the application to the Department of Transportation's BetterUtilizing lnvestments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program forthe PA 6tr Early Action safety lnnprovements in Schuylkill county, pennsylvania.

The scope of the overall PennDOT project encompasses the reconstructlon of 4.4 nriles of PA 61,including over two miles of bifurcated highway between the boroughs of St. Clair and Frackville. This is aprincipal arterial that goes through the heart of the County and provides a vital link between lnterstates78 and 81, with an average of L9,200 vehicles per day. Proxirnity to the population centers along theEastern Seaboard makes PA 61 extrernely irnportant to commerce and economic developrnent inSchuylkill County, particularly to manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centers in the area. Thecontinued operation of this critical link is jeopardized by unstable slopes and geometric deficiencies.

PennDOT is requesting federal funding to supplement planned state funding to reconstruct thesouthbound lanes of PA 6L to ensure safe travel and maintain commerce in Schuylkill County.Unfortunately, funding is not currently available to address the full scope and needs of the overallproject. This smaller project composed of a comprehensive set of lmprovernents that will address themost critical safety needs has independent utility and will prevent the PA 61 southbound lanes frombeing closed by 2O28. PennDOT is continuing to pursue funding to complete future improvements thatwill address the remaining safety and structural issues along the full 4.4 miles, but, until those funds areavailable, PennDOT will focus on reconstruction of the most dangerous sections of the PA 61 corridor.

I appreciate your consideration of rrny support as completion of this pro.iect wili assist with the region'scontinued growth and will provide safe access for businesses and residents of Schuylkill County to thegovernmental, commercial, healthcare resources and emergency service providers around the countyseat of Pottsville.

ntative

Si

tive District

1151 Oak Street • Pittston, PA • 18640-3726

Phone: 570.655.5581 • Fax: 570.654.5137

May 18, 2020

The Honorable Elaine L. Chao

Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Chao,

The purpose of this letter is to express our strong support for the application to the

Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)

Transportation Discretionary Grants program for the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements

(the “Project” hereafter) in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. I appreciate your attention to this

matter.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is one of seven regional agencies

designated as a Local Development District (LDD) by the state and federal governments to

enhance economic and community development activities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

NEPA carries out its mission within a seven-county region of northeastern Pennsylvania. NEPA

is also designated as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for four counties including

Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Schuylkill counties. As the MPO, NEPA is responsible for developing

and implementing the MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Transportation

Improvement Program (TIP).

Schuylkill County is a rural county located in Northeastern Pennsylvania with a total

population of 142,569 people (2019 est.). PA 61 is a principal arterial that goes through the heart

of Schuylkill County. PA 61 also provides a vital link corridor between Interstates 78 and 81, with

an average of 19,200 vehicles per day. PA 61 is extremely important to commerce and economic

development in Schuylkill County, particularly to warehousing and distribution centers in the area.

The continued operation of this critical link is jeopardized by unstable slopes and geometric

deficiencies.

The scope of the overall PennDOT project encompasses the reconstruction of 4.4 miles of

PA 61, including over two miles of bifurcated highway between the boroughs of St. Clair and

Frackville. The PA 61 corridor contains multiple substandard horizontal curves, steep

embankments, rock outcroppings, and substandard shoulder widths – all of which lead to unsafe

conditions. The pavement along the corridor is in poor condition with portions of the underlying

southbound pavement dating back to the late 1910s. In addition, degradation of sections of the

southbound embankment has jeopardized the stability of the roadway and required PennDOT to

permanently close one of the southbound lanes. Temporary slope repairs have been evaluated and

determined to be fiscally unfeasible in the areas of concern. A full reconstruction is required in

order to adequately address the failing slope, which at its current rate will likely require PennDOT

to implement a full closure of the southbound lanes in less than 10 years.

Unfortunately, funding is not currently available to address the full scope and needs of the

overall project. However, a smaller project, composed of a comprehensive set of improvements

that will address the most critical safety needs and avoid the imminent closure of a critical segment

the roadway, has been identified and named the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements project.

This breakout project has independent utility and will prevent the PA 61 southbound lanes from

being closed by 2028. PennDOT is continuing to pursue funding to complete future improvements

that will address the remaining safety and structural issues along the full 4.4 miles of the PA 61

corridor, but, until those funds are available, PennDOT will focus on reconstruction of the most

dangerous sections of the PA 61 corridor.

PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvement is critical to assuring safe access for businesses

and residents of Schuylkill County to the governmental, commercial, and healthcare resources

around the county seat of Pottsville. If PA 61 is shut down, the increased distances and travel times

for emergency service providers on the detour routes could cost lives. Finally, the terrain, and the

substandard features contribute disproportionately to the operations and maintenance of a

relatively small stretch of highway.

The Schuylkill County region plans to continue the current growth of the manufacturing,

warehousing, distribution and logistics sectors with a safe, reliable transportation system that takes

advantage of its unique location between the I-78 and I-81 and the proximity to the populations

centers along the Eastern Seaboard. The Project will make sure the regional growth will continue

to take place and it will have a positive impact. PennDOT is requesting federal funding to

supplement planned state funding to reconstruct the southbound lanes of PA 61 to ensure safe

travel and maintain commerce in Schuylkill County. The Project is a priority for the NEPA MPO

region.

I appreciate your consideration of my comments and strongly urge you to award funding

for the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvement. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey K. Box

President & CEO

Mission: Dedicated to serving members while improving life and economic growth in our community.

Union Station 570-622-1942/800-755-1942 1 Progress Circle, Suite 201 Fax: 570-622-1638 Pottsville PA 17901-3085 www.schuylkillchamber.com

May 12, 2020

The Honorable Elaine L. Chao

Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Chao,

The purpose of this letter is to express our strong support for the application to the Department of

Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation

Discretionary Grants program for the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements (the “Project” hereafter)

in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. I appreciate your attention to this matter.

Schuylkill County is a rural county located in Northeastern Pennsylvania with a population of

142,569 people (2019 est.). PA 61 is a principal arterial that goes through the heart of the County. It also

provides a vital link between Interstates 78 and 81, with an average of 19,200 vehicles per day. PA 61 is

extremely important to commerce and economic development in Schuylkill County, particularly to

manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centers in the area. The continued operation of this critical

link is jeopardized by unstable slopes and geometric deficiencies.

The scope of the overall PennDOT project encompasses the reconstruction of 4.4 miles of PA 61,

including over two miles of bifurcated highway between the boroughs of St. Clair and Frackville.

The PA 61 corridor contains multiple substandard horizontal curves, steep embankments, rock

outcroppings, and substandard shoulder widths – all of which lead to unsafe conditions. The pavement

along the corridor is in poor condition with portions of the underlying southbound pavement dating back

to the late 1910s. In addition, degradation of sections of the southbound embankment has jeopardized

the stability of the roadway and required PennDOT to permanently close one of the southbound lanes.

Temporary slope repairs have been evaluated and determined to be fiscally unfeasible in the areas of

concern. A full reconstruction is required in order to adequately address the failing slope, which at its

current rate will likely require PennDOT to implement a full closure of the southbound lanes in less than

10 years.

The Project would complete the last major planned improvement of the PA 61 reconstruction

which has occurred via several projects including Rt. 61 Deer Lake (from Molino to Orwigsburg); Rt. 61

Schuylkill Haven; Rt. 61 Pottsville (Replacement of two Rt. 61 Mady Bridge Structures), all within the

last 10 years, and connecting Interstate 78 to Interstate 81 inside the Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

boundaries. The dramatic effect on commerce and improved traffic flow in these reconstructed areas

cannot be overstated to its commerce productivity and efficiency impact.

Unfortunately, funding is not currently available to address the full scope and needs of the

overall project. However, a smaller project, composed of a comprehensive set of improvements that will

address the most critical safety needs and avoid the imminent closure of a critical segment the roadway,

has been identified and named the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements project. This breakout

Mission: Dedicated to serving members while improving life and economic growth in our community.

project has independent utility and will prevent the PA 61 southbound lanes from being closed by 2028.

PennDOT is continuing to pursue funding to complete future improvements that will address the

remaining safety and structural issues along the full 4.4 miles of the PA 61 corridor, but, until those

funds are available, PennDOT will focus on reconstruction of the most dangerous sections of the PA 61

corridor.

PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvement is critical to assuring safe access for businesses and

residents of Schuylkill County to the governmental, commercial, and healthcare resources around the

county seat of Pottsville. If PA 61 is shut down, the increased distances and travel times for emergency

service providers on the detour routes could cost lives. Finally, the terrain, and the substandard features

contribute disproportionately to the operations and maintenance of a relatively small stretch of highway.

A key element of our economic success in promoting commerce, is our unique geographical

location, which is traversed by major highway connectors including Interstate 81 and PA State 61,

connecting Interstate 81 and Interstate 78. This connectivity allows us to be within three hours travel to

major East coast cities including Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and 20

percent of the U.S. population along the Eastern Seaboard. The location of approximately 50 Fortune

500 companies, and the flourishing of twelve industrial parks, including Highridge Business Park, is

directly related to this geography and is directly tied to highway connectivity and quality of roadways.

The Schuylkill County region plans to continue its great track record of growth of the distribution and

logistics sectors, via the work of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) and its

leadership and partnership with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and our 775 members.

PennDOT is requesting federal funding to supplement planned state funding to reconstruct PA 61

to ensure safe travel and maintain commerce in Schuylkill County.

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, represents our 775 businesses and non-profits both in

Schuylkill County and surrounding counties. Our ongoing mission “is dedicated to serving members

while improving life and economic growth in our community.”

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and our Transportation Committee appreciates your strong

consideration of our comments and strongly urges you to award funding for the PA 61 Critical Rural

Freight Corridor Safety Enhancements. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We appreciate

your consideration of my comments and strongly urge you to award funding for the PA 61 Early Action

Safety Improvements. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Robert S. Carl, Jr. Thomas V. Yashinsky

President and CEO Chair, Transportation Committee

May 14, 2020

The Honorable Elaine L. Chao

Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Chao,

The purpose of this letter is to express my strong support for the application to the

Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD)

Transportation Discretionary Grants program for the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements

(the “Project” hereafter) in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. I appreciate your attention to this

matter.

Schuylkill County is a rural county located in Northeastern Pennsylvania with a population

of 142,569 people (2019 est.). PA 61 is a principal arterial that goes through the heart of the

County. It also provides a vital link between Interstates 78 and 81, with an average of 19,200

vehicles per day. PA 61 is extremely important to commerce and economic development in

Schuylkill County, particularly to manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centers in the area.

The continued operation of this critical link is jeopardized by unstable slopes and geometric

deficiencies.

The scope of the overall PennDOT project encompasses the reconstruction of 4.4 miles of

PA 61, including over two miles of bifurcated highway between the boroughs of St. Clair and

Frackville. The PA 61 corridor contains multiple substandard horizontal curves, steep

embankments, rock outcroppings, and substandard shoulder widths – all of which lead to unsafe

conditions. The pavement along the corridor is in poor condition with portions of the underlying

southbound pavement dating back to the late 1910s. In addition, degradation of sections of the

southbound embankment has jeopardized the stability of the roadway and required PennDOT to

permanently close one of the southbound lanes. Temporary slope repairs have been evaluated and

determined to be fiscally unfeasible in the areas of concern. A full reconstruction is required in

order to adequately address the failing slope, which at its current rate will likely require PennDOT

to implement a full closure of the southbound lanes in less than 10 years.

Unfortunately, funding is not currently available to address the full scope and needs of the

overall project. However, a smaller project, composed of a comprehensive set of improvements

that will address the most critical safety needs and avoid the imminent closure of a critical segment

the roadway, has been identified and named the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements project.

This breakout project has independent utility and will prevent the PA 61 southbound lanes from

being closed by 2028. PennDOT is continuing to pursue funding to complete future improvements

that will address the remaining safety and structural issues along the full 4.4 miles of the PA 61

corridor, but, until those funds are available, PennDOT will focus on reconstruction of the most

dangerous sections of the PA 61 corridor.

PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvement is critical to assuring safe access for businesses

and residents of Schuylkill County to the governmental, commercial, and healthcare resources

around the county seat of Pottsville. If PA 61 is shut down, the increased distances and travel times

for emergency service providers on the detour routes could cost lives. Finally, the terrain, and the

substandard features contribute disproportionately to the operations and maintenance of a

relatively small stretch of highway.

The Schuylkill County region plans to continue the current growth of the manufacturing,

warehousing, distribution and logistics sectors with a safe, reliable transportation system that takes

advantage of its unique location between the I-78 and I-81 and the proximity to the populations

centers along the Eastern Seaboard. The Project will make sure the regional growth will continue

to take place and it will have a positive impact. PennDOT is requesting federal funding to

supplement planned state funding to reconstruct the southbound lanes of PA 61 to ensure safe

travel and maintain commerce in Schuylkill County.

The mission of the Schuylkill River Greenways NHA is to connect residents, visitors and

communities to the Schuylkill River, the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT), and the Schuylkill River

National Heritage Area (SRGNHA). The SRT is the spine of the non-motorized transportation

system in the five-county region, serving commuter, shopping, and recreation needs. The

Schuylkill River Trail, when complete, will extend 120 miles from Frackville in Schuylkill

County, through Berks, Chester, Montgomery counties and into Philadelphia. Current Schuylkill

County transportation projects include closing the trail gap between Berks and Schuylkill counties

by rehabilitating the historic Auburn Railroad Bridge, creating an important non-motorized

transportation option to Rt. 61. The Schuylkill River Greenways NHA also has a partnership with

the Great Appalachian Valley Conservation Corps to extend the SRT between St. Clair and

Frackville to optimize local and regional recreation and safe transportation opportunities, which

will improve Schuylkill County’s quality of life and become a recreational destination and

economic driver benefitting the local communities and the region. Our work at SRG is dependent

upon and complementary to a safe and efficient adjacent highway system.

I appreciate your consideration of my comments and strongly urge you to award funding

for the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements. Please feel free to contact me with any

questions.

Sincerely,

Elaine P. Schaefer

Executive Director

140 COLLEGE DRIVE | POTTSTOWN, PA 19464

OFFICE: 484.945.0200 FAX: 484.945.0204 WWW.SCHUYLKILLRIVER.ORG

May 14, 2020 The Honorable Elaine L. Chao Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E. Washington, DC 20590 Dear Secretary Chao: On behalf of the Emergency Services Community of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, I am providing this letter and information in strong support of the application to the Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program for the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. As a rural county in Northeastern Pennsylvania with a population of 142,569 people, Schuylkill County is dependent on a stable, safe transportation corridor to support our evolving manufacturing, warehousing and distribution centers. PA 61 is a principal arterial through the County, providing a vital link for commercial traffic between Interstates 78 and 81. More importantly, this roadway is the most expedient route of travel for emergency vehicles providing life-saving services to the residents and those traveling through our county. This essential transportation corridor is jeopardized by unstable slopes and geometric deficiencies. Though PennDOT has proposed a more substantial project, funding is not currently available to address the full scope; therefore, a smaller project, involving a comprehensive improvement plan for the most critical safety concerns has been identified and named the PA 61 Early Action Safety Improvements project. We appreciate your attention and consideration of this life safety matter.

Yours in service,

John M Matz

Emergency Management Coordinator