February 11, 2009

(Aliquippa, PA) -- U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today invited Beaver County residents to join him at a town hall meeting on local transportation needs next Tuesday, February 17 at the Community College of Beaver County. As Congress prepares to rewrite the Highway Reauthorization Bill this year, Congressman Altmire is holding public forums throughout his district to listen to constituents’ views on what local transportation projects would benefit their daily commutes, businesses and neighborhoods.

As the only western Pennsylvanian on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Altmire will play a critical role in advocating for the region’s priorities.

“As Congress starts to work on this important transportation bill, I want to hear from Beaver County residents about what projects would have the greatest benefit for their daily commutes and businesses,” Altmire said.  “My top priority is creating a highway bill that will help make Beaver County’s roads and bridges safer, shorten commute times, and create good-paying jobs.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission will join Congressman Altmire at the forum to listen to local residents’ concerns and to talk about current transportation initiatives. The forum will take place from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the Community College of Beaver County’s Main Campus in Conference Room #103.

Improving Beaver County’s infrastructure has been a long-time priority for Congressman Altmire. In 2007, Altmire secured $750,000 for the Freedom Road Upgrade Project to improve Beaver County residents’ access to job opportunities in Cranberry and to facilitate the distribution of goods from the nearby Conway Railroad Yards. Altmire has said securing additional funding for the Freedom Road Upgrade Project will be one of his top priorities this year.