More Property Notices Being Mailed

C O M M I S S I O N N E W S R E L E A S E

Contact: Joe Agnello, (724) 755-5262, (724) 755-5142 fax e-mail: jagnello@paturnpike.com	July 22, 1999
MORE PROPERTY ENTRY NOTICES BEING MAILED AS STUDIES CONTINUE FOR SOUTHERN BELTWAY PROJECT BETWEEN U.S. ROUTE 22 AND I-79 The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is sending more legal notices that its representatives may be entering properties as part of its continuing evaluation of prospective alignments for the 12-mile Southern Beltway Project between U.S. Route 22 and Interstate 79. Some 90 to 100 property owners will be receiving "Notice of Intent to Enter" letters for the first time. Also, reminder notices will be mailed by the end of the month to nearly 400 property owners who received their initial letters in mailings dating back to August 1998. The Turnpike's study of alternatives involves land in Robinson, Cecil and Mount Pleasant townships in Washington County and North Fayette and South Fayette townships in Allegheny County. Efforts are continuing to identify protected resources within the study area. Field work includes locating homes, businesses and community facilities such as churches, parks and cemeteries, as well as streams, wetlands, wildlife habitat, historic structures and other features that warrant consideration in the siting of a new highway. Receipt of a property entry letter does not mean the referenced property will have to be acquired for the expressway's right-of-way or even that entry will be necessary. In most instances where entry is required, a simple walk-through will suffice. Information gleaned from the field studies will be used in the development and evaluation of prospective alignments and, eventually, the publication of an Environmental Impact Statement. The next public meetings for the presentation of the latest plans for the project likely will be held this coming winter. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement identifying a preferred alignment is expected to be circulated for public review and comment in 12 to 14 months.

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