A local planning organization voted to recommend to Gov. Ed Rendell that state funds should not be provided
for transportation improvements in Rush Township, a decision complicated by its implications on a proposed landfill.

After controversy about its role in the decision-making process, the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) voted 7-3 last night to support a request by the Centre Region Council of Governments Transportation Committee.

The committee had requested that the MPO oppose the $8.5 million available in the last state budget intended for repairing the rail track in Centre and Clearfield counties.

Three members abstained.

Dan Klees, College Township councilman, said the problem was that the purpose of the improvements from state funds was to facilitate waste transportation to the proposed landfill in Rush Township.

"I don't feel state funds should be used to entice a landfill to Centre County," he added.

Snow Shoe Borough resident Michele Barbin said she is concerned about how taxpayers' money is being used and about the implications of the landfill being close to her home.

"I'm worried about water quality issues," Barbin said.

Elizabeth Goreham, State College Borough Council member, said she thinks the landfill would affect everyone in the region.

"Some people think it is bad use of tax funds," Goreham said. "Others, like me, think it's bad for the air and quality of life."

Judith Johnsrud, an expert on radioactive waste, and Mike Ewall, representative of ActionPA, a grassroots environmental organization, both made testimonials to the harmful effects a landfill would have on the environment.

Discussion also centered around whether the MPO had any jurisdiction in the matter, because they normally do not deal with transportation issues.

"I would not support this motion ... it would get us into an area we shouldn't be in," said Centre County Commissioner Chris Exarchos. "We would actually destroy our credibility."

Matt Smoker, Federal Highway Administration transportation planner, said he was hesitant about the MPO getting involved.

"There's a lot of unknowns about this project ... and what the MPO will be asked of later," Smoker said.

A harm and benefits analysis, land development plan, traffic impact study and environmental clearance for an I-80 interchange were all put forth as data still needed.

In response to concerns about whether increased traffic from waste transportation would increase the
county's emissions, Jack Shannon, chairman of Rush Township supervisors, said trucks going all the way to Clearfield would create just as many emissions.

Pat Couturiaux, Rush Township supervisor, said there was also a proposed landfill in Boggs Township in Clearfield County.

"If that landfill was approved, it would have a much bigger impact on ... Centre County," he said. "All these towns would be burdened with truck traffic."