A Public Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting for the S.R. 0021 Section C10 Transportation Improvement Project was held on January 15, 2003 at the German Township Municipal building.  The purpose of the PAC is to provide a comprehensive and orderly means of involving local community interests in the project.  The primary goal of the PAC is to enhance the exchange of information and opinions between the community and the project team.  Members of the project team in attendance were Jim French, George Tanner and Valerie Petersen all representing PENNDOT District 12-0, and Ed Jones, Troy Gallaher and Tim Bliss all representing L. Robert Kimball & Associates, the facilitator. 

PAC Materials binders were provided to each member and alternate in attendance.  Included in each binder were hard copies of the PAC presentation, project location map, mainline typical section, jughandle turning movement typical, jughandle distance locations, project team contact information, project website information and the PAC ground rules. 

A presentation by Mr. Jones pointed out the location of the S.R. 0021 corridor.  It was mentioned that improvement to this corridor, and specifically, section C10, was needed due to safety issues, as well as future capacity.  The contributing factors for the high accident rate, which included high traffic volumes, numerous cross street intersections, short passing zones, etc. were explained.  Accident and fatality data straight-line diagrams were illustrated at this time.  Typical roadway section and jughandle designs were presented for proposed S.R. 0021. 

In addition, the PAC ground rules were covered.  It was noted that the PAC is an important piece of the public relations program, which is in addition to newsletters and public meetings.  For a PAC to be effective, a varied and diverse group of people, with varying interests in the community, is needed.  The functions of the PAC, duties, responsibilities and membership were discussed.  Meetings will be held at major milestones throughout the project and these meetings will be structured as workshops to afford the PAC members the opportunity to present issues of concern.