Centre Co., PA (WJAC) — One of the state's largest farming organizations is now weighing in on a controversial Centre County highway project.
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is asking PennDOT to consider some possible alternatives in the current planning process.
There is growing attention now on PennDOT’s State College Connector Project, with several route options being studied, routes that would cut across prime farmland.
In a recent letter to PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau first saying they recognize the importance of an efficient highway network for the agriculture industry, but they raise questions about PennDOT’s plans for the connector project.
Could more wetlands, instead of farmland, be used for road construction?
The farm bureau also questioned the potential use of eminent domain, the taking of private land for public purpose.
Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of farms, more than 6,000, and acreage that are permanently preserved for agricultural production through Easement programs.
Just this week, Pennsylvania’s secretary of agriculture discussed the importance of funding the program with state lawmakers.
“Let’s make sure there's resources in the Ag business development center, that we fund, that we target for those who carry a very heavy burden. Inside that easement it says this farm shall be a protected agricultural asset in perpetuity, not left to chance. That means whoever comes along is going to carry that burden. That to me is an important conversation.”
In the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau letter, they favor strengthening the standards used for seizing land for road projects in ag security areas.
As for the State College Connector Project, the bureau claims several living near the possible routes are interested in selling their properties, and could that land be an alternative to possibly using more farmland.
PennDOT says acquiring land for whatever option is selected for the State College Connector is probably, at least, five years away.
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