Alleghenies Ahead Cambria County Planning
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Urban planning and the allocation of local government resources can be a hidden process, especially in a region of the United States confronted with the legacy costs of a changing global economy. The Alleghenies Ahead Podcast reveals the details of an extensive planning process unfolding in six southern Pennsylvania counties - Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset, collectively referred to as the Southern Alleghenies region. Host Ethan Imhoff, one of the leaders of the initiative, interviews some of the Southern Alleghenies most energetic and inspiring people
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Where to Have a Baby? Innovative Ideas in Maternal Care and Womens Health
One of the most recent manifestations of population loss in the Southern Alleghenies is the closure of obstetrics wards at area hospitals. Only two of the six Southern Alleghenies counties now have a hospital that provides obstetrics services. In this episode Ethan talks with two inspiring residents, Eva Clark and Sherri Peeler, who are working to develop the area's first regional birth center and womens health center in northern Bedford County.
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Who Pays for the Roads? You! Here’s How it Works…
Did you know that in Pennsylvania seventy-seven cents from every gallon of gas you purchase goes towards our roads, bridges and highways? Ever wonder how it is spent and who prioritizes transportation projects? Ethan talks with Transportation Planner Chris Allison about how money moves from your wallet into local and regional transportation projects.
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The Past and Future of the Abandoned Turnpike in Bedford and Fulton Counties
The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to much acclaim in 1940. But soon after, many of its two lane tunnels could no longer accommodate the rapidly increasing number of vehicles on the road. As congestion along the Turnpike increased, the Rays Hill Tunnel and Sideling Hill Tunnel were bypassed and abandoned in 1968. Fifty years later, the two tunnels and abandoned roadway remain largely intact. Currently the area serves as an unofficial recreational trail, historic site, studio for graffiti artists and site of a marathon race. In this episode, Ethan talks with Bedford County Planning Director Don Schwartz about the post abandonment history of the tunnels, and efforts underway in Bedford and Fulton counties to formally open this 8.5 mile section of abandoned roadway as a recreational trail and event venue.
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Connecting with the Leaders of Tomorrow
Ethan talks with interns from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies who are shaping the future through a philanthropy initiative designed to address some of the region's current issues with future oriented solutions. The interns (hailing from Cambria, Somerset and Bedford counties) share their unique and honest perspectives about how the region’s current leaders can do more to appeal to younger generations.
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Trail Development in Blair County Motivates Economic Development
Over the past two decades the Lower Trail became an integral component of the community fabric in Williamsburg, Blair County. Local leaders stepped up their efforts recently to capitalize on the trail, infuse the town with new spirit, and provide unique experiences to the 70,000 annual trail users. In this episode Ethan talks to Dave Cadle and Mike Biddle, who would like trail users to have a bite to eat, rest their head and experience the outdoors at its best in Williamsburg.
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The Impacts of Next Generation Leadership in Johnstown
When it comes to next generation leadership, nobody is more inspiring than Melissa Komar, Executive Director of the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority. In this episode, Ethan and Melissa discuss the unique redevelopment projects Melissa is leading in Johnstown, and how these projects are reducing blight, creating momentum and moving the city forward.