June 1, 2021
Harrisburg – June 1, 2021 – At the request of state Senator Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hybrid in person and virtual public hearing to discuss the Mon Fayette Expressway and what this project will mean to the southwest region of Pennsylvania.
“The investment into the Mon Fayette Expressway is not just about building another road, it is very important to understand that what we are doing here is building for the future,” Senator Brewster said. “The Mon Fayette Expressway is crucial in revitalizing the Mon Valley and providing direct and indirect access to family sustaining jobs for generations to come. We must provide this project with the resources that it needs to be completed.”
According to TRIP, a national transportation research group, improving the efficiency of a region’s transportation system by expanding the capacity of highways, transit and intermodal facilities has been shown to enhance economic development opportunities and improve quality of life.
Maury Burgwin, President of the Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce, said that his organization fully supports the Mon Fayette Expressway calling it, “The single most important economic development issue for our region is completion of Mon-Fayette from Route 51 to Interstate 376.”
“The approved route for the expressway north from RT 51 in Large, PA will provide direct highway access to 1600 manufacturing and related firms that employ over 22,000 people,” Burgwin continued.
TRIP research also shows that for every $1 million spent on urban highway or intermodal expansion, an average of 7.2 local, long-term jobs were created at nearby locations as a result of improved access.
The Federal Highway Administration estimates that each dollar spent on road, highway and bridge improvements results in an average benefit of $5.20 in the form of reduced vehicle maintenance costs, reduced delays, reduced fuel consumption, improved safety, reduced road and bridge maintenance costs and reduced emissions as a result of improved traffic flow.
Darrin Kelly, President of the Allegheny County Labor Council, said that his organization is fully supportive of the Mon Fayette Expressway, and they see this project as a continued opportunity to work with the business community of the region, coordinate with the federal government on lifechanging infrastructure improvements for Western Pennsylvania, and to provide long-term family sustaining jobs.
“Jobs in the industry average around $80,000 to $90,000 and that includes great benefits and pensions,” Kelly said.
Thomas Melisko, President, IUOE Local 66 said that with other projects in the region coming to a close, the opportunity for skilled union labor to be utilized in the building, completion, and maintenance of the Mon Fayette Expressway is an excellent opportunity for his union’s almost 8,000 members.
In his testimony, Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, said that Pennsylvania Act 89 has been instrumental in the allowing projects like the Mon Fayette Expressway to come to fruition.
Brad Heigel, Chief Engineer of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, discussed the need for forward thinking when it comes to the projects like the Mon Fayette Expressway. He said that he has been working with the University of Pittsburgh to analyze the need for electric charging stations along state roads as well as the possibility of electrified roads that will one day charge vehicles as they drive. Heigel also spoke about the need to maintain community engagement and properly inform residents of the construction that will be taking place as part of the Mon Fayette Expressway.
“No one should be blocked from economic opportunity, growth, or prosperity because of where they live. Adequate and well-maintained infrastructure that serves the needs of populations is essential to a successful economy. The Mon Fayette Expressway is an excellent example of building back better and providing resources and opportunity to every Pennsylvanian,” Sen. Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, said.
Below are all who participated in today’s hearing:
- Mark Compton, CEO, Pennsylvania Turnpike
- Brad Heigel, Chief Engineer, Pennsylvania Turnpike
- Darrin Kelly, President, Allegheny County Labor Council
- Thomas Melisko, President, IUOE Local 66
- Sean Logan, President, Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Maury Burgwin, President, Mon Yough Chamber of Commerce
Senators who attended this hearing in person and virtually included: Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D- Allegheny), as well as Senators Sharif Street (D- Philadelphia), Wayne D. Fontana (D- Allegheny), Lindsey Williams (Allegheny), Tim Kearney (D- Chester/Delaware), Maria Collett (D- Bucks/Montgomery), and Amanda Cappelletti (D- Delaware/Montgomery).
The full recording of this roundtable, as well as the written testimony from participants, can be found at senatormuth.com/policy. A full recording of this hearing can also be found on the PA Senate Democratic Facebook page.
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May 26, 2021
Monroeville, PA − May 26, 2021 − At the request of state Senator Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland), the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a hybrid in person and virtual public hearing to discuss the Mon Fayette Expressway and what this project will mean to the southwest region of Pennsylvania. Testifiers at the hearing will include leaders in government, labor, and business chamber organizations.
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee is chaired by Senator Katie Muth (D-Berks/Chester/Montgomery).
WHEN: The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at 1 p.m.
WHERE: Monroeville Borough Building-Council Chambers & Virtual
2700 Monroeville Blvd.
Monroeville, PA 15146
The Hearing will also livestreamed at SenatorBrewster.com/Live and the PA Senate Democratic Caucus Facebook page.
You can register through Zoom here.
WHO: Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland), Sen. Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery), members of the PA Senate Democratic Caucus
Media coverage is welcome and encouraged.
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June 26, 2017
Brewster Issues Statement of Support
Harrisburg – June 26, 2017 – The effort to build the final 14-mile phase of the Mon-Fayette Expressway received a significant boost today when the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) voted to move the project forward, an action that helps pave the way for the construction of the $2.2 billion roadway, Sen Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
Brewster and a bipartisan group of legislators and local advocates joined forces to support the completion of the route after it was unexpectedly tabled at a March meeting of the commission.
In a letter sent to the commission earlier this month, the group, featuring Brewster, Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Fayette) a host of senators and representatives from the region including Bill Kortz (D-Allegheny) and Marc Gergely (D-Allegheny) reiterated firm support for the project — highlighting its importance for the continued development of the communities in the Mon Valley, and its role in fostering job creation in the region.
Brewster’s comments follow:
“The Mon-Fayette Expressway will link people to jobs and shovel-ready projects to developers. The highway will spur the redevelopment of industrial sites and create new business opportunities not only for communities directly impacted, but also for others throughout the region. There are more than 1,000 acres of developable property in the region ready to be put into productive use. This project delivers on creating access to markets, and it is critical to job creation and development. I am pleased that the SPC took action today.”
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March 31, 2017
Costa, Brewster insist that Turnpike dollars are obligated to improve regional access
Harrisburg – March 31, 2017 – State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the legislative commitment concerning the Mon-Fayette Expressway is clear and that improving access to the region via a revitalized and comprehensive transportation network is an obligation that must be fulfilled.
The lawmakers released the following statements in response to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s (SPC) vote earlier this week to delay funding of the Mon-Fayette Expressway. This was closely followed by an announcement by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission that it was halting work on the roadway. The combined actions of the two agencies put further economic development opportunities associated with the project in jeopardy.
The lawmakers are calling for a meeting to be convened with members of the SPC, plus officials from the Turnpike, PennDOT, and regional leaders to discuss the status of the project.
The vote suspended funding for the final 14-mile piece of a proposed 74-mile highway running from West Virginia to Monroeville. The estimated total cost of the last section of the roadway, which connects PA Route 51 in Jefferson to Monroeville, is $2.1 billion.
The Mon-Fayette Expressway project was authorized in statute and identified as a legislative priority. The funds, if not spent on the project, may be used to pay for other legislatively-mandated projects, some of which are not located in the Mon Valley or eastern suburbs.
Costa’s statement follows:
“The decision by the SPC and the Turnpike puts further development of the project in jeopardy. These actions by these two agencies should not be viewed as a license for officials from other areas to try and leverage the funding for projects outside of the region.
“The funding set aside for the project is intended to pay for the improvement of the road network serving economic development sites in the Mon Valley and eastern suburbs. As a result of the actions of this past week, we need a more detailed examination and explanation of how the Turnpike is going to ensure that the legislative mandate to build the road network is going to be accomplished.
“This is an authorized project that was established by statute to aid the region. Those funds set aside for this project should be used to make significant improvements and upgrades to the road system of the region, not be used to help fund projects in Philadelphia or elsewhere. The goal of the project was to improve access and create jobs. We cannot lose sight of the intent of the project.”
Brewster’s statement follows:
“It is imperative that officials from the Turnpike and PennDOT recognize that the enhancement of the road network in the Mon Valley and eastern suburbs is critical. Building a first-rate road system for the region through the auspices of the Turnpike has been a priority, is specified in law, and the legislative mandate cannot be ignored.
“There is a compelling need for a quality transportation system that complements the region. Workers, businesses and residents of the area must be connected to jobs, markets and communities so the entire region can be revitalized and quality of life improved. That need has not been altered by the delay in funding the Mon-Fayette.
“The people in the region have waited a long time for a transportation link that opens up long-dormant economic sites so that the whole area can enjoy economic resurgence. The funds were intended to create access to the region and should not be used to fund projects that do little or nothing to help revitalize the Mon Valley and east suburban communities.”
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