FOCUS 81 COMMITTEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS (HIGHLIGHTS)
APRIL 2003 - OCTOBER 2008

• The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance in Pittston, Pennsylvania is awarded the 2008 Excellence in Regional Transportation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Focus 81 Committee.

• The Focus 81 website (www.focus81.com) was launched in April 2004 to keep the public informed on efforts of the group and to provide information regarding this corridor of I-81. In April of 2005, the website was overhauled to provide additional information regarding efforts of the committee, traffic information, etc.

• Focus 81 Committee members were featured on the live WVIA TV “State of Pennsylvania ” program in April 2004. The program discussed goals, accomplishments and future plans of the Focus 81 Committee along with efforts to expand the targeted I-81 corridor to six (6) lanes. In addition to informing the public of Committee actions, the program served as a public forum in which individuals could call and ask questions of the participants.

• In April 2004, the Focus 81 Committee received the “Partnership in Progress” award from the Pennsylvania Partnership for Highway Quality (PPHQ). This award is presented annually by PPHQ to recognize a person, partner, business or organization that has demonstrated support and/or works to improve transportation interests in Pennsylvania .

• A press conference was conducted in June 2004 with Focus 81, PennDOT and the State Police to announce the creation of eleven (11) new sites to be used as traffic enforcement pull-over areas/inspection sites or radar observation posts along the I-81 corridor in Lackawanna & Luzerne Counties. Lt. Colonel Ralph M. Periandi, PSP Deputy Commissioner was present for this event.

• Radio ads were purchased to promote safety and the Focus 81 website, where further information regarding the corridor and improvement efforts could be accessed. In addition, Focus 81 worked with Kane Is Able, Inc. to place the Focus 81 logo and website on one of their tractor-trailers that traverses this corridor of I-81 for use as a moving billboard.

• The Focus 81 Committee successfully lobbied to have the targeted I-81 corridor expanded from the Clarks Summit to the Waverly exit, based upon information/concerns garnered from Committee meetings.

• The Focus 81 Committee lobbied for a uniform Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training curriculum. Representative Wansacz, a Focus 81 subcommittee co-chairman, has crafted legislation to address this issue. The proposed legislation would implement a uniform CDL training curriculum for entry-level drivers in the state of Pennsylvania .

• Through efforts of the Focus 81 Committee and PennDOT, instant email updates containing traffic and roadwork information are sent to area businesses, including trucking firms, the media and the public.

• Focus 81 leadership in July 2004, met with the CEO of the PA Turnpike Commission to discuss initiatives of the Focus 81 Committee and how PennDOT , PA Turnpike Commission and Focus 81 could work together. Through the efforts of the Focus 81 Committee, PennDOT and the PA Turnpike Commission conducted a pilot study where Turnpike usage was advertised on the radio and through message boards located throughout the corridor, as an alternative “express route” to I-81.

• Focus 81 worked in conjunction with numerous partners regarding the Highway Interdependence Day Celebration held in September 2004, at the Lackawanna County Stadium. This event was designed to celebrate the interdependence of truckers and the general public in growing our economy and maintaining highway safety. Focus 81 assisted with the planning and was present at this event.

• Focus 81 continues dialog with our state and federal legislative delegations regarding funding for the I-81 expansion project. Funding was secured in the amount of $8 million for work on I-81 through the federal FY05 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This funding will be utilized for engineering and design costs related to improvements within the Davis Street/Central Scranton Expressway section.

• The Focus 81 Committee worked with the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) to set up a Highway Watch® training seminar for the region. The training program is administered by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) under an agreement with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The Highway Watch® program is a national safety and security program designed to help protect critical infrastructure and the transportation of goods, services and people.

• The Focus 81 Committee assisted in securing an additional $1 million for the completion of an expanded study of the targeted I-81 corridor to further identify initiatives to improve safety, reduce congestion and address long term expansion alternatives. Focus 81 has worked with PennDOT and their contracted consultant, Pennoni Associates, to develop the scope of work. The study is currently underway with completion anticipated for Summer 2005.

• The Focus 81 Committee has worked to have this corridor of I-81 designated a “Highway Safety Corridor”. In October 2004, portions of the corridor were officially designated. This newly designated area consists of a five and one half mile segment, stretching from mile marker 183 near the River Street Exit 184 to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport and Avoca Exits 178A-178B. Throughout this target segment of I-81, fines for traffic violations will be doubled. This special pilot study is aimed at improving safety by reducing crashes and fatalities. The state police have received additional funding for increased patrols throughout this “Highway Safety Corridor”. A report detailing the findings of this designation will be completed for Summer 2005.

• Through discussions at Focus 81 Committee meetings, suggestions were made to the PA Turnpike Commission to add “EZ Pass” at the Keyser Avenue and Clarks Summit toll plazas. The PA Turnpike Commission in November 2004 held a ceremony to announce the completed installation of “EZ Pass” at the Keyser Avenue and Clarks Summit toll plazas.

• PennDOT, through the request and input of the Focus 81 Committee created a report regarding emergency detour routes throughout the targeted I-81 corridor. The committee assessed the information and recommended a study be conducted to identify possible initiatives to reduce congestion along these routes during emergency situations.