What are They Doing?

Many of you have received a letter from Keller Engineers, on behalf of PENNDOT, regarding their intent to enter your property. Over the next year, you will observe people digging in the fields, studying plants and animals, and placing orange flags around wetlands. You may also notice people taking photographs of your homes and asking questions concerning farms, mining, and your community.

These people are environmental scientists from Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc. and their subconsultants who are conducting the field investigations and other tasks to evaluate the natural and man-made environment within the study area. Resources being studied include:

Public Involvement Opportunities

During the design phase of the project, there will be opportunities for you to become involved and to keep abreast of the progress of the U.S. 219 project. Public meetings are a great way to stay informed. Numerous meetings will be held throughout the length of the project to involve you in the process. The first of these meetings was held on April 30, 2001, at the Berlin-Brothersvalley School in Berlin, Pennsylvania. Meetings are also being held on a regular basis with County Commissioners, other public officials, and the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce. The next public meeting will be conducted in the fall to present preliminary alternatives for your input.

PENNDOT will also be publishing project newsletters, similar to this one, on a periodic basis to keep you informed of the project status. Please visit our website (www.US219.com) to get the latest information on the project.

• Archaeological Resources
• Geological Features (including surface and deep mines)
• Wildlife Habitat
• Threatened and Endangered Species Wetlands
• Water Quality
• Historic Structures
• Farmlands
• Hazardous Waste
• Socioeconomics

PENNDOT and G&O would like to extend their sincere thanks in advance to the communities and the citizens of Somerset County for their cooperation and assistance with our studies for this project.

U.S. 219 - A 5th Grade View
Berlin-Brothersvalley Middle School