There have been plenty of problems with the state Department of Transportation’s effort to make traveling from northern Blair County to State College that much easier.
Now, PENNDOT officials have set aside $16.7 million for construction next year, noting the completion of the project was a “priority for planners.”
According to Marla Fannin, community relations officer with PENNDOT, when planners were updating the latest Transportation Improvement Program, they noted Interstate 99 as a vital highway project and established it as a priority project, and also, set aside the $16.7 million for the project.
According although earthmoving work has stopped, bridge work has continued along the new stretch of highway until a permanent solution to an acid rock drainage problem can be corrected.
“During excavation, we came across a larger amount of acidic material (Fool’s Gold) than we expected,” said Fannin, noting the find occurred in what is known as the “Skytop” area.
She said Fool’s Gold, in itself, is not acidic and doesn’t pose a threat to the local environment; however, when it’s exposed to oxygen then passed through water, an acid is formed that increases the pH in affected water tables.
“We’re in the process of putting together a plan for DEP (state Department of Environmental Protection) to review,” said Fannin.
“Right now, the groups affected (PENNDOT, DEP, the state Fish and Boat Commission and Patton Township) are holding regular meetings to keep everyone up to speed as to where everything stands.
“Testing is on-going and we’re determined to find where the roots of the problems are.
“Our recommendation to DEP is due in early May,” said Fannin. “We’re working with our engineers (Skelly and Loy) on the matter and will have a recommendation for DEP by their deadline.”
Fannin didn’t say exactly where PENNDOT or its engineers were in the information-gathering process of the recommendation, but noted once it was in DEP’s hands, it would be made public.
Fannin said some of the money set aside for the project may be used for the permanent solution to the acid rock drainage problem. She said the timeline for the project will most likely be affected after the permanent plan is put together.
