Agency Says It Will Work With Army Corps So Project Can Move Forward in Timely Manner
Senator Casey Urged EPA To Work Collaboratively With State, Federal Agencies and Key Stakeholders On Issue
Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken a key step to help the Route 219 project move forward. In a letter to the U.S. Army Corps, the EPA stated that the Route 219 project would not be subject to an additional level of review. Such a review could have delayed the project’s timetable. Earlier this year, Senator Casey wrote to the EPA asking them to work collaboratively with federal and state agencies and key stakeholders to help the project move forward.
“I’m pleased that the EPA has given the Route 219 project the appropriate examination and decided that it will not be subject to a higher level of review than other projects across the country,” Senator Casey said. “While there is still more to do to get Route 219 where it needs to be, this is a critical step that will help this job creating project move forward.”
Senator Casey fought to get the Route 219 project to this point. In the Congressional transportation bill, a Casey provision provided states with more flexibility as they use their transportation resources. Senator Casey’s provision allowed toll credits to fund Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) projects. The measure also allows the federal cost share on ADHS projects to increase from 80% to 100%. Senator Casey has worked with members of the Congressional delegation including Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA), the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, to move the project forward.
###
