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	January 19, 2000
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 envoys may be entering properties as part of its ongoing evaluation of alternatives for the 12-mile Southern Beltway Project between U.S. Route 22 and Interstate 79. Approximately 350 property owners will be receiving "Notice of Intent to Enter" letters for the first time. Nearly 500 notices had been sent previously. Mailings began in August 1998. The Turnpike Commission’s study of alternatives involves land in Robinson Township, Cecil Township, Mount Pleasant Township and McDonald Borough in Washington County; and North Fayette Township and South Fayette Township in Allegheny County. McDonald Borough is new to the list because of refinements in alternatives that are being examined in an effort to avoid or minimize social and environmental impacts. Efforts are continuing to identify critical 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 determining the best location for a new highway. Receipt of a property entry letter does not mean the property will 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 gathered from the field studies will be used in the development and evaluation of prospective alignments. Impacts will be summarized in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which is expected to be circulated for public review and comment next winter. The next round of public meetings for the project likely will be held this summer.

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