Centre County celebrates federal grant for for I-99/I-80 interchange

© Centre County

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) and supporters of the ‘DRIVE Forward’ transportation initiative recently hosted an event to celebrate a federal grant for the highspeed I-99/I-80 interchange project.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Leslie Richards, Centre County officials, and other community leaders attended the event.

PennDOT recently received a $35 million in federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant funding for the construction of a high-speed I-99/I-80 interchange and a local access interchange to replace the Bellefonte exit. PennDOT will contribute $150 million to complete the total funding package of $185 million needed to complete the project.

“It’s always a pleasure to visit the Centre County region,” Richards said. “To be able to do so for an event like today’s celebration makes the visit even more special. The INFRA grant monies will have a positive impact on travel in and around Centre County and will make every destination in the region more easily accessible. PennDOT is thrilled to see this project move forward.”

‘DRIVE Forward’ is a group of businesses, individuals, and government and community leaders dedicated to ensuring a safe and efficient local transportation system to the benefit of Centre County and the surrounding central Pennsylvania region.

“The CBICC commends all who are engaging with the ‘DRIVE Forward’ initiative,” CBICC President and CEO Vern Squier said. “State and federal officials were aware of the strong show of support for the interchange project as a result. Community collaboration is making a difference – in the transportation realm and beyond.”