By Jeff Neff
Recently, I attended an Altoona City Council meeting where big plans were discussed for Altoona's transportation system during a presentation by Karl King of the Allegheny Ridge Corp. In case you haven't heard of the 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation (CAT), I would like to share with you what I learned about this project coming to Altoona.The 2010 CAT is a national initiative that is federally funded under two programs called the SAFETEA-LU and Transportation Enhancements. The purpose of the initiative is to create better walking and biking routes in Altoona, as an alternative to driving everywhere. This will mean that Altoona's infrastructure may look very different five years from now.
Some council members mentioned how unsafe, and sometimes illegal, it is to try to cross the busy Plank Road. This project will create pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, and thruways for commuters who choose not to drive throughout the city.
By the tone of the conversation and affirmation of some council members at that meeting, it sounded as though the 2010 CAT project will go through.
Now for some pros and cons. The downside to this project could be both short-term and long-term. For the short, the entire city would seem to be under construction for a while with temporary problems which may cause costly satellite projects to be started within the city. But my main concern would be the funding issue. If this expensive program isn't fully funded by the feds (read the fine print), then Altoona residents could face a mountain of bills.
What about pork? I would disagree with someone who claims this to be an unnecessary program because upgrades to infrastructure can save an enormous amount of money and congestion. Even if Altoona declines the offer, the project will be directed to another city. Let's just hope that federal funding pulls through.
When it is all said and done, Altoona will increase in population (and tax base), which could give opportunity for decreased taxes and a better transportation system. But, if city officials even hint that a tax increase may be needed due to this initiative: watch out.
It would be nice to see this project happen as long as Altoona's financial needs are met with compliance by the above programs.
Depending on the time line of events, this may be a good ballot question for the next local election. I only have a limited knowledge on this, so I suggest that you please look into the 2010 Campaign for Active Transportation for yourself or ask a Council Member about it.
- Jeff
2 comments:
This proposal all seems great. In fact it would be great. But the City of Altoona currently has trouble maintaining some of its existing parks and properties.
A project of this magnitude has to be carefully thought out. There is the current infrastructure to deal with. Most of the city streets are old and narrow. How they propose to add additional biking and walking lanes is beyond me.
Then you have seurity, lighting and maintenance issues to deal with.
I am not opposed to such a project but with the economy in such bad shape beginning a project of this magnitude should be examined carefully.
The city has other issues on its plate and this may not be the best time to begin this project especially if it is going to place more financial burden on its citizens.
I like the idea of creating more walking and biking lanes. If this project is pushed forward it should be done in stages beginning with areas that the residents would be more prone to use.
Good point -- I wonder how the maintenance will be handled. However, should we reject an infusion of money that would enhance our City and provide an additional benefit to the downtown-PSU connection? I think the implication is that it will increase the tax base the more amenities we have like that.
- Lynn
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