CSVT Project Takes Major Step Forward

Press Release

The U.S. House passed a measure late Thursday that could provide a significant boost to the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway Project through language included by Congressman Chris Carney (PA-10). The Carney language makes it possible for the 13-mile CSVT project to be designated as an Appalachian Regional Commission corridor by removing an existing, stagnant corridor from the commission's highway system. This is a critical first step toward the possible designation, a move that would place the CSVT on the Appalachian Development Highway System and provide significant funding for the project.

"The CSVT will improve safety and is crucial for our region's long-term economy and I will continue to make this my top transportation priority," said Congressman Carney. "We must now focus our attention on the Senate and ensure that this measure passes with the help of Senators Specter and Casey. It is more important than ever that we stay unified in support of this project. After decades of waiting, we are a significant step closer to seeing the CSVT built."

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency and partnership of federal, state and local governments. It funds hundreds of transportation projects throughout the 13-state region every year through an appropriation from Congress, which established the commission in 1965. Only projects that are designated corridors of the ARC's Appalachian Development Highway System are eligible for funding through the program.

The language included by Congressman Carney passed as part of an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Bill. That measure must now be approved by the Senate before it can be signed into law. The Carney language effectively repeals a measure included in a decade-old bill to build I-99, which has already been completed.

"This is a major step forward in the process to build the CSVTP and we owe a great deal of thanks to Congressman Carney," said Shamokin Dam Mayor Joe McGranaghan, chairman of the Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project Task Force. "All of us should be grateful for his strong and effective leadership on this important transportation and economic development project. While we still have a way to go, today we are a great deal closer to our goal."

"Economic development "independence' was declared last night when Congressman Chris Carney achieved the improbable: inclusion of language in a bill empowering Pennsylvania to move forward on the bypass for the central Susquehanna Valley," said Charlie Ross, President of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce. "This legislative coup demonstrates the Congressman's remarkable skill and effectiveness as our area's representative. Forget the pork; he brought home the bacon."

"Congressman Carney's tireless efforts have made this positive step happen in an issue that has plagued this region for decades," said Maria Culp, President and CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce. "Working with his fellow federal and state legislators and the CSVT taskforce, led by Joe McGranaghan, he eliminates the safety issues affecting our residents and businesses and gives the potential to spark economic development at a critical time to our Valley."

"This is an important step forward and could not have been accomplished without the tireless work of Joe McGranaghan and the Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project Task Force and the strong support of Reps. Merle Phillips and Russ Fairchild and Sens. John Gordner and Gene Yaw," Congressman Carney said.

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