WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) recently introduced H.R. 1544, the Corridor N Extension Act of 2011. 

This bill, which is identical to legislation that he introduced in the last Congress, would extend Corridor N (US Route 219) of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) from its current northern terminus at Corridor M (US Route 22) in Ebensburg to Corridor T (I-86) near Salamanca, New York.  By extending Corridor N north, Route 219 would be eligible for ADHS money to develop the road as a multilane freeway, with interchanges at appropriate crossroad locations. 

“While I am working hard to ensure that Route 219 is completed south to I-68 in Maryland, we must make sure that 219 north remains part of our overall transportation conversation,” said Critz.  “Extending Route 219 north from Ebensburg to I-86 in New York will stimulate economic growth and provide greater access to our region.  “And as our area becomes more and more important to the energy industry, improved infrastructure is crucial for creating and sustaining jobs.” 

Since being sworn into Congress last May, Critz has championed the extension of US Route 219 both north and south.  In addition to introducing the Corridor N Extension Act, Critz this month testified in front of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit (part of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) on the need to repeal the toll credit language in the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.  This would allow states to count toll credits as the required state match for new highway construction (i.e. moving the completion of US 219, from Somerset to I-68, forward).  He is also a cosponsor of H.R. 1218, which would repeal the toll credit language

The ADHS is a program of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and was created to connect underserved communities in Appalachia with adequate highway infrastructure.  Because of the region’s terrain, it was difficult to connect many cities and towns to the original interstate system, and through providing money for the development of highways in Appalachia, the ADHS has helped to economically develop the region.  The ADHS has helped to develop US 219 in Cambria and Somerset Counties, and has also aided in developing other highways throughout Pennsylvania. 

For more information on the ADHS, please visit the ARC’s website at www.arc.gov