Air Quality Conformity Analysis     Report -- Executive Summary     (Vol. I) Air Quality Conformity Analysis      Report -- Technical Analysis      (Vol. II) Transportation Improvement      Program - Highway & Bridge Transportation Improvement      Program - Transit Ferguson Township      PCTI Application

In 2008, PennDOT initiated the “Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI)”, a new program to advance “Smart Transportation” principles in the Commonwealth.  The PCTI is being funded with a total of $60 million in federal funds from the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation’s discretionary funding allocation in the first two years of the 2009-2012 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) [Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2009 and 2010].  

Over 380 applications were received statewide.  The applications were evaluated by the PennDOT Central Office, and the award of funding to successful projects was announced by the Secretary of Transportation on May 28, 2009.  

One of two projects approved in Centre County is the Old Gatesburg Road Extension project in Ferguson Township .  A total of $2,970,000 in PCTI funds was approved for the Construction phase of the project, which involves the construction of a new road between Science Park Road and Blue Course Drive .  

Project Description  

The Old Gatesburg Road Extension is an integral element of the Pine Hall Traditional Town Development (TTD), a proposed planned community of approximately 160 acres located between Blue Course Drive and Science Park Road .  The Pine Hall TTD will result in infill development within the Regional Growth Boundary (RGB) and Sewer Service Area (SSA) in the adopted Centre Region Comprehensive Plan, which reduces sprawl and development pressure on areas outside of the RGB/SSA.  

The Pine Hall TTD Master Plan is being designed within the framework of Ferguson Township ’s TTD zoning regulations.  The Master Plan reflects a “new urbanism” theme, including mixed-land use development in a town center; preservation of key environmental features and provision of community open space; a range of housing options, including workforce housing; and a transportation network with provisions for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transportation.  The Old Gatesburg Road Extension roadway links transportation and land use in the Pine Hall TTD by including design features such as a landscaped median that will be part of the stormwater management system; sidewalks; bike lanes; and a roundabout.  The roadway will be designed for a desired operating speed that balances the need to accommodate significant vehicular traffic volumes, with the desire for slower speeds that ensures the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.  The design of the facility incorporates principles of “smart growth” and “smart transportation”, such as context sensitive design, multi-modal connections, and improvements to the quality of life.  

Ferguson Township will complete the design and pre-construction phases of the project using 100% local funds.  PCTI funds will be used for the Construction phase.  The pre-construction phases, including environmental clearance, must be expedited to ensure that the PCTI funds can be obligated by the September 2010 deadline specified in the PCTI program guidelines.

For PCTI funds to be expended on the Construction phase, the project must be included on the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) 2030, and the CCMPO’s 2009-2012 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  Because the Old Gatesburg Road Extension will provide new lane capacity to the roadway network, an amended Air Quality Conformity Analysis is required to be completed and approved prior to the project being added to the LRTP and TIP.  

Proposed Actions  

In order for the project to be eligible for PCTI funds, the CCMPO must take the following actions:  

	Approve an amended Air Quality Conformity Analysis for the CCMPO’s LRTP 2030 and 2009-2012 TIP that includes the Old Gatesburg Road Extension project.
	Add the Old Gatesburg Road Extension project to the CCMPO LRTP 2030 in the 2009-2010 time period ($2,970,000).
	Add the Old Gatesburg Road Extension project to the CCMPO’s 2009-2012 Centre County TIP in Federal Fiscal Year 2010 ($2,970,000).

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Review and Approval Process  

The proposed actions are being advertised for a 30-day public comment period.  A public meeting to solicit input will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.  

On Wednesday, September 9, 2009, the CCMPO Technical Committee will review the actions and consider providing a recommendation to the CCMPO Coordinating Committee.  The Technical Committee will meet at 9:30 am at the Patton Township Municipal Building , 100 Patton Plaza, State College , PA   16803 .  

On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, the CCMPO Coordinating Committee will consider taking action on the three items.  The Coordinating Committee will meet at 6:00 pm at the Ferguson Township Municipal Building , 3147 Research Drive , State College , PA   16801 .  

Project Location Map  

Project Detail Map