Southern Alleghenies counties win award for Alleghenies Ahead plan

The planning commissions of six Southern Alleghenies counties recently received an award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association for a report detailing problems facing the counties and outlining possible ways to solve them.

The counties received the award at the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association’s annual conference, which was recently held in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The Alleghenies Ahead – Shared Strategies for a Stronger Region report describes issues such as broadband access, housing and blight, and economic development. The plan emphasizes implementation and outlines regional priorities and county-level action plans.

“This is an honor bestowed upon everyone who has had a part in developing this plan,” David McFarland, director of Blair Planning, said. “The plan publicly recognizes we must make some course changes and be more proactive in capitalizing on the assets the region has to offer, both now and in the future.”

The plan represents the first time six country planning commissions, 18 county commissioners and one regional economic development agency have collaborated on such a plan. It is the culmination of a five-year process.

“When you remove the arbitrary boundaries that exist between our counties, you quickly realize how similar our collective assets and challenges really are,” Katie Kinka, senior planner for the Cambria County Planning Commission, said. “And you also realize the greater opportunities and advantages of working together to implement projects of regional scale and impact. We’ve certainly set a precedent by collaborating, and plan to continue to work productively as a region moving forward.”