CLC recognizes that transportation facilitates economic growth and is an indicator of the economic health of a region. A region cannot prosper without a well-planned, multi-modal and interconnected transportation system. With this regional approach, CLC developed this Transportation Action Plan (TAP) that presents critical transportation improvements and capacity additions necessary to Southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy.
Transportation is a major component in the development of our region and the creation of permanent jobs. The availability of rivers and railroads were crucial factors to advance the development of the steel industry in the 1800s and made Southwestern Pennsylvania a major economic region of the United States. With the collapse of the steel industry, our region has shown its resilience through evolution and adoption of new industries such as healthcare, education, technology, robotics, financial services, film, and most recently oil and natural gas. Leading the way in these industries, and home to over two dozen colleges and universities and world-class cultural offerings, Southwestern Pennsylvania continues to attract new populations that call our region home.
The Greater Pittsburgh Area has grown and now encompasses the entire southwestern region of the state. Residents live in the ten counties surrounding Allegheny County, but travel across the entire region for work and leisure. However, severe congestion and crumbling infrastructure cripple the region and restrict mobility. Lack of public transportation, multi-modal facilities, and air traffic limit economic opportunities for the region. The unique topography and climate present another set of challenges to mobility. The geographic location on the continent makes the region a thoroughfare for additional National North-South and East-West traffic. A new approach must be taken to develop a transportation system that is capable of serving people and businesses in our region.
The goal of CLC’s Transportation Action Plan is to advance key transportation projects that will continue to grow a diversified and sustainable regional economy and promote economic competitiveness of the region. Implementation of the TAP will require perseverance of community leaders, stakeholders, public agencies, and elected officials. Public support is currently high, as residents of the region recognize the challenges we all face today, and realize the consequences of non-action in the future.
CLC will provide briefings on the TAP at your convenience to answer questions and discuss suggestions and comments. CLC offers its support to those who accept the challenge and advocate with us for the betterment of our region. Please contact us at TAP@CLCPA.org for more information.