Commonwealth Court has voided the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) plan to begin tolling nine interstate bridges across the state. The June 30th decision from the majority of the Court found that PennDOT, the P3 Board, and Sec. Gramian exceeded their statutory authority under Act 88 of 2012 and failed to comply with its requirements. The No P3 Bridge Tolls Coalition praised the Court’s decision in the South Fayette Township case that voids the P3 Major Bridge Tolling Initiative.

“The Commonwealth Court has reinforced the arguments the members of the No P3 Bridge Tolls Coalition, the Legislature, and affected communities have been making to PennDOT since the tolling efforts were announced,” said John Stroup, former Mayor of Clarion. “Thank you for the leadership of officials in South Fayette Township, Bridgeville Borough, Collier Township, and the other entities who joined in this and the 1-83 bridge case. These challenges are neither cheap nor easy, but your efforts are winning the day.”

“This is a win for businesses, residents, and communities across Pennsylvania,” said Fred Gaffney, President of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. “This ill-conceived plan would have created unnecessary disruptions for local communities. The decision by the Court should send a message to PennDOT that it needs to work with stakeholders to find better solutions for funding our transportation infrastructure.”

Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Director of Government & Community Relations for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance said, “Berks County businesses and the rural communities surrounding the Lenhartsville Bridge project greatly appreciate this strong decision from the Commonwealth Court. We all hope the Wolf Administration and PennDOT will not appeal this decision. Instead, we hope they will reengage with stakeholders to find long-term, sustainable, and equitable funding solutions for our infrastructure needs.”

While PennDOT could appeal the decision to the State Supreme Court, the Coalition and legislators are urging the administration to abandon this plan once and for all.

BU Community Day Fair 

The BU Community Day Fair provides an opportunity for new incoming students at BU to meet and begin to build relationships with the leaders and organizations that are part of the local community. The Community Day Fair will be held on Saturday, August 20^th from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at the Bloomsburg University Academic Quad.

Participants will have the ability to provide details of their goods and/or services as well recruit BU students as potential employees or volunteers. Samples, printed materials, and any kind of activities and/or contests related to the participants’ missions are highly encouraged.

Any local business and non-profit organization are welcome! There is no charge for this event. A table and two chairs will be provided to anyone participating. Participants are welcome to bring pop-up tents for their tables. The registration deadline is July 22^nd. Click here to register. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Rachel Shaffer at [email protected] or call 570-389-2520.

Click here to register. 

---

Innovative Manufacturing Center (IMC) Hosting APPI Energy Vice President of Market Intelligence & Analytics, Dan Forgacs 

Join IMC as they host APPI Energy Vice President of Market Intelligence & Analytics, Dan Forgacs, as he dives into a data-driven, comprehensive look at the current state of the energy markets, specifically electricity and natural gas prices and how to mitigate the rising costs. They’ll review the state of the energy markets, take a closer look at where pricing currently stands in Pennsylvania, as well as what to expect in the coming months.

Additionally, expect to learn more about a few key strategies and solutions to:

• Reduce your costs & minimize budgetary risk
• Reduce the demand portion of your energy bills

Areas of focus will include:

• Brokering more favorable power supply agreements to fit your needs and budgetary goals
• Market updates and what to expect in the coming months
• Energy strategies & solutions specific to manufacturers in PA

The event will take place on July 28th from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. 

Click here to register. 

---

Bloomsburg Opens New Dog Park

The Town of Bloomsburg recently opened its new dog park, located along Catherine Street near the Town pool and bocce ball court. The park, which includes amenities for dogs and seating for owners, is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

---

Danville Heritage Festival Garden Tours Scheduled for July 2nd

Tour public and private gardens located around Danville as part of this year’s Heritage Festival. People are invited to celebrate the diversity that gardening has to offer – and hopefully appreciate the passion and vision that has gone into creating these unique gardens and take away ideas for their own backyards.

This year, the Danville Heritage Festival Garden Tour has expanded and will be held on Saturday, July 2nd with a rain date of July 3rd; the primary Danville Heritage Festival, however, will be held September 9th – 11th. The date was chosen since it will be closer to the peak flower season, and the gardeners can then enjoy the festivities in September. The garden tours are FREE! Come and enjoy the beauty of nature, enhanced by the hands and minds of the gardeners. Get away from it all and relax!

Click here for more information