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August 26, 2011

Senator John Pippy E-News

PEMA Urges Pennsylvanians to Prepare for Hurricane Irene
ReadyPA.org Offers Tips to Help Prepare For Variety of Emergencies

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency today urged Pennsylvanians to prepare for expected high winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Irene this weekend. Although the storm is expected to primarily impact southeastern Pennsylvania, residents across the state should remain alert and be prepared.

"The approaching hurricane means all residents should be sure emergency supplies are ready in our homes, and to secure outdoor items so they don’t cause more damage when the winds come," said PEMA Director Glenn Cannon. "As this week’s historic East Coast earthquake reminded everyone, being prepared at all times is critical."

In the event that roadways become impassable or power is lost, Cannon said residents should be prepared to survive on their own without outside assistance for at least three days. Emergency crews simply will not be able to reach everyone immediately after the danger has passed.

Have disaster preparedness supplies on hand, including: 

• Flashlights and extra batteries; 
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; 
• First aid kit and manual; 
• Emergency food and water; 
• Non-electric can opener; 
• Essential medicines/prescriptions; 
• Cash, credit cards and important legal documents; and 
• Sturdy shoes.

• Checkbooks; 
• Driver's license; 
• Credit card information; 
• Birth certificates; 
• Social Security cards; and 
• Other forms and documents proving ownership/identity.

• Be Informed: know what threats Pennsylvania and your community face. 
• Be Prepared: have an emergency kit with at least three days’ worth of essentials at your home, including food, one gallon of water per person per day, medications and specialized items such as baby or pet supplies. Create an emergency plan so family members know where to meet if everyone is separated when an incident occurs. 
• Be Involved: Pennsylvanians have a long history of helping one another in times of need. Specialized training and volunteer opportunities are available so citizens can help others in their community in a disaster.

The Legislative Reapportionment Commission to Hold Public Hearing in Pittsburgh on September 14, 2011
Individuals & Groups Invited to Testify/Submit Written Comments

A public hearing of the 2011 Legislative Reapportionment Commission of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be held on September 14, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. at the Duquesne School of Law, 600 Forbes Avenue, Room 302, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15282.

The purpose of this hearing is to invite testimony regarding issues of state-wide importance in reapportioning the House and Senate districts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Individuals or groups who wish to testify at the public hearing are required to submit, in writing, a brief summary of their proposed comments on or before September 9, 2011.

This summary should be submitted to:
Charles E. O'Connor, Jr.
Executive Director
2011 Legislative Reapportionment Commission
Senate Box 203079, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120-3079.

Proposals should include a telephone number where the individuals can be reached during normal business hours. All submissions must be received by the Commission no later than September 9, 2011.

Please advise the Commission office if you require special accommodation to participate in this meeting. Further information can be obtained by contacting Charles E. O'Connor, Jr., Executive Director, at 717-705-6339.  

Interested citizens can also find pertinent information a the Legislative Reapportionment Commission website by visiting:  http://www.redistricting.state.pa.us 

PA Fish & Boat Commission Announces Fishing Holiday -
Family Fishing Festivals Scheduled at Six Locations Labor Day Weekend

Harrisburg, PA - Looking for a way for you and your family to enjoy the Labor Day holiday weekend? The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has two opportunities on that weekend for you and your family to "catch" the fun of fishing.

On Saturday, Sept. 3, the PFBC will host Family Fishing Festivals at six locations in Pennsylvania. And on Labor Day, Monday Sept. 5, it’s the Commission’s second Fish-for-Free Day for 2011. This day allows anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish with no fishing license required on all Pennsylvania's waterways on this day. All other fishing regulations still apply.

"The Family Fishing Festivals are free educational events designed for families with little or no fishing experience," said Carl Richardson, PFBC manager of Education and Outreach. "Participating families will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing together during the program."

The festivals will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at six locations, one in each PFBC region, in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks.

The festivals include:

• NW Region: Pymatuning State Park, Linesville, Crawford County
• SW Region: Raccoon Creek State Park, Hookstown, Beaver County
• NC Region: Hills Creek State Park, Wellsboro, Tioga County
• SC Region: Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Gardners, Cumberland County
• NE Region: Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming, Luzerne County
• SE Region: Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown, Chester County

PennDOT to Aid State, Local DUI Enforcement through Labor Day
Motorists Reminded to 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over'

Harrisburg – PennDOT today announced the distribution of federal funds to help municipal and state police crack down on impaired driving across the state through Labor Day during the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative.

"People may have end-of-summer plans that involve alcohol, but safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind," PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch, P.E., said. "Getting behind the wheel when you're impaired by drugs or alcohol puts your life in danger, as well as the lives of everyone sharing the road with you. Do everyone a favor by designating a driver."

The $4.2 million in federal funds PennDOT distributes come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The funds have been used throughout the year to help with impaired-driving patrols. The national enforcement effort will also unveil NHTSA's new DUI enforcement theme, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," reminding motorists of the consequences of driving while impaired.

More than 600 municipal police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police will conduct roving patrols and checkpoints targeting motorists under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The focus for this statewide enforcement wave is border-to-border enforcement, as police are encouraged to cooperate across county and even state borders. Pennsylvania's efforts are part of a nationwide enforcement wave.

PennDOT records show there were 169 alcohol-related crashes and five fatalities during Labor Day weekend in 2010.

Visit www.DriveSafePA.org for more information on Pennsylvania's efforts to stop impaired driving and other traffic-safety initiatives. 

South Hills Interfaith Ministries Conducting Community Needs Assessment
Requests South Hills Residents Take Survey Online

South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) is currently conducting a Community Needs Assessment as part of their three-year Strategic Plan.  Accordingly, they are hoping to have residents of the South Hills area complete an online survey, in an effort to identify current needs – particularly unmet needs – in the South Hills.

South Hills residents can take the survey by visiting:  www.getstrategy.com/shim. The survey will be posted until September 9, 2011, so please take a few moments to share your thoughts on what needs you see in the community, and what SHIM’s role should be in meeting those needs.

PennDOT Weekend Traffic Alerts

PennDOT District 11
Weekend Construction Summary
August 19-22, 2011

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is reminding motorists several highway and bridge improvements will be occurring in Allegheny County this weekend, Aug. 26-29.

All activities are weather permitting and subject to change. Motorists should plan their travels accordingly by anticipating highway work zones, slowing down, exercising patience and being safe.

PennDOT is also reminding motorists approaching lane restricted highway work zones to use all open lanes to the merge point. Please be courteous to other motorists and allow them to merge. The effectiveness of traffic flow in highway work zones is highly dependent on driver behavior. Using all lanes and allowing a consistent, courteous merge will reduce congestion and delay and help traffic move smoothly and safely through the work zone.

The HOV lanes on the Parkway North (I-279) are open to all outbound traffic on weekends after 7 p.m. on Friday and remain open until 5 a.m. on Mondays. In addition, the two passenger vehicle rule does not apply during weekend hours. To alleviate congestion, motorists are encouraged to use the HOV lanes to exit the downtown area following sports games and other events on weekends.

Below is a summary of the major closings and restrictions this weekend:

SHORT TERM:
I-579 Crosstown Boulevard Closures 
Bridge/Ramp work 

The ramp from southbound I-579 (Crosstown Boulevard) to the eastbound (toward Oakland) Boulevard of the Allies (Route 885)/Parkway East (I-376), the ramp from the westbound Boulevard of the Allies to northbound I-579 in the City of Pittsburgh will be closed from 8 p.m. on Friday through approximately 6 a.m. on Monday. Crews will be replacing expansion dams and bearings on the ramps. Signs will be posted. PennDOT is also reminding motorists northbound I-579 will be closed from 10 a.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Sunday (roadway will reopen from 3 p.m. to approximately 5 p.m. for Friday afternoon rush hour).

Full release: Boulevard of the Allies Connecting Ramps to Crosstown Boulevard Closed this Weekend in Pittsburgh 
Google Map of Area:  http://g.co/maps/muxq   

I-376 - Parkway East
Lighting Work
 
Short-term single lane closures on the inbound (westbound) Parkway East/Central (I-376) in the City of Pittsburgh will occur from 6 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Crews will be replacing damaged highway lighting cables between the Second Avenue (Exit 71B) and Grant Street (Exit 71A) ramps.

Full release: Westbound I-376 Single Lane Closures Saturday Morning in Pittsburgh
Google Map of Area:  http://g.co/maps/38ve 

I-79
Bridge Work - (Significant Delays Expected)

Single lane traffic will occur on northbound I-79 between the Wexford and Cranberry interchanges (Exits 73-76) on Friday and Saturday. Crews are completing work on the northbound bridge over Mingo Road (Route 4051) and setting barrier and placing pavement markings to begin work on the northbound bridge over Warrendale Bayne Road (Route 4052). Northbound single lane traffic will occur from 10 p.m. on Friday through 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Significant delays should be expected on northbound I-79 Saturday.

Full release: I-79 Northbound Single Lane Friday and Saturday in Marshall
Google Map of Area: http://g.co/maps/2axh 

I-376 - Parkway West
Bridge Inspection
 
Single lane closures on the inbound (eastbound) Parkway West (I-376) between the Rosslyn Farms (Exit 64B) and Carnegie (Exit 65) interchanges will occur as needed from 6 a.m. to noon Sunday. Crews will conduct routine bridge inspection activities.

Full release: Inbound Parkway West Bridge Inspection Sunday Morning in Carnegie
Google Map of Area:  http://g.co/maps/8a9t 

Route 50
Bridge Work 

Traffic on Route 50 (Washington Road/Pike) in Collier Township will be reduced to a single lane in each direction shifted to one side of the roadway away from work areas from 8 p.m. on Friday continuously through 6 a.m. on Monday. Crews will continue removing and replacing strip seal dams on the bridge that carries Route 50 over Chartiers Creek near the intersection of Thoms Run Road.

Full release: Route 50 Single Lane this Weekend in Collier
Google Map of Area:  http://g.co/maps/ue3y

LONG TERM:
Route 65 
Lane Closures

Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard) in the City of Pittsburgh is closed long-term in both directions at the Marshall Avenue (Route 19) interchange continuously through late November 2011. Crews are rehabilitating the mainline Route 65 bridges at the interchange between the West End and McKees Rocks bridges. Traffic is being detoured using the on-and-off ramps to Beaver Avenue and California Avenue.

Full release: Route 65 Long-Term Closures Begin July 15 at Marshall Avenue Interchange in Pittsburgh
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.457985,-80.0245&spn=0.051331,0.077162&z=14  
Route 28
Lane Closures
 
Northbound Route 28 is reduced to a single lane between the 31st and 40th street bridges in the City of Pittsburgh through 2012.

Full release: Route 28 East Ohio Street Improvements Begin Aug. 23 at 40th Street Bridge in Millvale
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.469282,-79.976006&spn=0.025661,0.038581&z=15  

I-579/Crosstown Boulevard
Bridges and Ramps

The ramp from the westbound Boulevard of the Allies to the southbound Liberty Bridge (Route 3069) is closed continuously through Aug. 20 for bridge rehabilitation.

Full release: Boulevard of the Allies Ramp to Liberty Bridge Long-Term Closure Begins Sunday in Pittsburgh
Google Maps: http://maps.goKogle.com/maps?ll=40.439958,-79.993987&spn=0.025673,0.038581&z=15

The bridges that connect Sixth and Seventh avenues to Washington Place over I-579 near the Civic Arena are closed continuously through mid-October 2011.
 
Full release: I-579 Crosstown Boulevard Ramp Closures Long-Term Detours Begin this Weekend in Pittsburgh
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.439958,-79.993987&spn=0.025673,0.038581&z=15

PennDOT Information and Resources:

For more information, visit the District 11 website, www.dot.state.pa.us , click PennDOT near you, "11" under "roadwork". PennDOT reminds motorists to call the construction hotline at 412-429-6035 for information and current activities on the Parkway East, Parkway West, Parkway North, I-79 and Route 28. All work is weather permitting.

Call 1-800 FIX ROAD to report roadway problems and concerns.

Log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions and cameras on major roadways before traveling. The 511 system also automatically feeds Twitter accounts with information such as incidents, construction notices and weather alerts. The Pittsburgh/Southwestern-region account, www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh, covers Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Follow PennDOT to receive real-time updates.

District 11 offers specialized information for particular roadways and projects. Potential email subscribers should specify preferences for receiving information for the following categories:

• All roadways and bridges in Allegheny, Beaver or Lawrence counties;
• Weekend work and restrictions in Allegheny County (this will only include restrictions and work activities that occur on weekends);
• Parkway East (I-376);
• Parkway West (I-376) ;
• Parkway North (I-279);
• Interstate 79;
• West Liberty Avenue and Liberty Tunnel Improvements;
• Route 28 (Allegheny Valley Expressway);
• Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard);
• Route 48 Boston Bridge; and
• Route 19 Wexford Flats Project.
  

Potential subscribers should send their email address and location preferences to Press Officer Jim Struzzi at jstruzzi@state.pa.us or contact the PennDOT District 11 Press Office by phone at 412-429-5010.