RIDGWAY, PA: The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is launching the update of its 2055 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). This plan will guide transportation decision-making for North Central rural communities over the coming decades, shaping the future of mobility, safety, and economic opportunities across the six-county region of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter.

Long-range transportation planning plays a vital role in ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors across the North Central Pennsylvania region have safe, reliable, and efficient ways to travel – whether by automobile, transit, bicycle, foot, or other modes. The LRTP identifies transportation needs, priorities, goals, and strategies for the next 20 years and beyond, taking into account evolving trends, changing demographics, and emerging technologies that affect how people and goods move throughout the region.

“Transportation is more than moving vehicles, it’s about connecting people to opportunities, services, and the places they call home,” said Amy Kessler, North Central’s Director of Community Development and Regional Planning.  “This planning process gives our communities a voice in shaping how our region evolves and ensures that future transportation investments reflect the priorities of rural Pennsylvania.”

Why This Plan Matters

Transportation decisions made today have long-lasting effects on access to jobs, quality of life, community connectivity, and economic competitiveness. The updated 2055 LRTP will:

• Establish a forward-looking vision for transportation that supports the unique needs of rural communities in North Central Pennsylvania.
• Identify priorities for improving the safety and condition of roads, bridges, and multimodal facilities and services such as transit.
• Highlight strategies for addressing mobility challenges faced by residents, including access for older adults, people with disabilities, and those without regular access to a vehicle.
• Support economic growth by improving connections between people, businesses, and regional assets.
• Engage the public and stakeholders in shaping long-term goals and investments that reflect local values and needs.

What to Expect Next

The LRTP update will involve active outreach and engagement with residents, local officials, business leaders, and community organizations throughout the North Central region.   In the coming months, the North Central RPO will announce several opportunities for public participation, including public meetings, feedback opportunities, and stakeholder workshops designed to gather input on regional priorities and needs. This feedback will play a critical role in developing the final plan.

“We see this as a conversation with the entire region,” Kessler said. “The feedback we receive will play a critical role in shaping a long-range transportation plan that reflects shared priorities and supports the region’s future.”  

About the North Central Pennsylvania RPO

The North Central Pennsylvania Commission provides staff support to the Rural Planning Organization (RPO), a federally designated entity for a six-county region that includes Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties. The RPO works collaboratively with local governments, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), transit providers, and other partners to plan for a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation system that enriches lives and the region’s economic vitality.

For more information about the 2055 LRTP update or to stay informed about upcoming engagement opportunities, visit https://rpo.ncentral.com/ or contact Amy Kessler (amy@ncentral.com) or Connor Vecellio (cvecellio@ncentral.com) or by phone at 814.773.3162.

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The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is a premier regional development organization that serves the public and private sector through a wide range of economic, community, infrastructure, human services, and technology programs for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties.

Contact:  Amy Kessler:  814-773-3162