Venango Co. County Commissioners Urge Public to Attend Route 8 Meeting Tonight

EYT Media

EYT Media

Published February 8, 2018 5:21 am
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FRANKLIN, Pa. – Venango County Commissioners are working to lay the foundation for future economic growth throughout the region, and easy access to Interstate 80 and points south of Franklin are key to that strategy.

That means PennDOT’s current effort to conduct a study that looks at reducing Route 8 south of Franklin from four lanes down to two has more than caught the attention of the County Commissioners.

“Bottom line, Route 8 is vital to the future economic growth of Venango County,” said Commissioner Vince Witherup. “Our hope is that the public comes out in support of that four-lane highway and shows PennDOT how critical it is to this area.”

PennDOT has recently announced a public meeting, February 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Franklin Area Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium in order to introduce the study to the community and receive public input. Venango County Commissioners are hoping that the public’s voice is heard loud and clear at that meeting.
“At this point, what we need more than anything is for the public to attend this meeting and ensure that PennDOT hears those voices,” said Commissioner Chip Abramovic.

The Venango Area Chamber has taken up the issue with support from its membership, as well as businesses throughout the region. Susan Williams, Executive Director of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the impact a potential lane reduction would have on the ability of local businesses to compete, “Our local industry leaders continue to share that they have seen a significant increase in business in recent years and that they expect this to continue,” said Williams. “We simply cannot afford to place any barriers in their way.”

Emily Lewis, Executive Director of the Venango County Economic Development Authority, believes the four-lane stretch of Route 8 is critical to the future economic growth of the region. “That four-lane stretch of highway leads both car and truck traffic off the interstate and directly into the heart of Venango County, Titusville and even up into Tionesta and Warren.” Lewis said that the county has been discussing plans to develop its own study, examining the potential impact of a lane reduction.

That study would be conducted by a private consultant and would be funded directly by Venango County Commissioners and overseen by Lewis and the County Planning Director. “We view the Route 8 corridor as a critical asset for development,” said Lewis. “Our plan is to develop the Barkeyville interchange, extend the runway at Venango Regional Airport and do whatever we can to help freight and commerce move through Venango County, not to move in the opposite direction.”

For more Venango County news and information, visit exploreVenango.com.

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