Takac discusses potential historical tourism and economic development projects at America250PA IIPC hearing in Centre County

Rep. Paul Takac June 6, 2023 | 1:58 PM

STATE COLLEGE, June 6 – State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, attended the America250PA Infrastructure Improvements & Projects Committee hearing on Friday, June 2 at the College Township council chambers in State College to discuss opportunities to attract tourists and economic development projects.

Takac currently serves as a regional representative on the America250PA IIPC Committee, following the appointment from Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and helped organize the Region 4 hearing for America250PA. Region 4 includes the counties of Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Sullivan, Centre, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, and Columbia counties.

Takac said the goal of IIPC is to help identify and develop strategic projects and investments that will help showcase Pennsylvania’s key role in the founding and development of the nation and that will have positive cultural, historical, civic, educational and economic benefits for years to come.

“I appreciated hearing from a wide array of community organizations and leaders with projects that, if funded, would have an enormous impact on tourism and economic development for our region,” Takac said.
“Our rich history, coupled with opportunities for development, were on full display at this hearing. Centre County is well known for our educational opportunities and sporting events at Penn State, but we can expand that perception of our county across the commonwealth to include historic sites and railways, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and better-connected transportation networks to showcase the rich diversity and culture of Centre County. We are blessed with an abundance of historic resources as well as dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate volunteers and organizations who help make history come to life for residents and visitors alike.”

Mark Higgins, chair of the Centre County commissioners, said “The Centre County Commissioners applaud the work of the American 250PA Commission. We appreciate their visit to Centre County and urge them to consider grant funding for the six great historical and tourism projects highlighted during the hearing to help further establish Centre County as a prime destination for future economic development and tourism in Pennsylvania.”

Sue Hannegan, president of The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace, said, “The foundation was extremely thankful for the opportunity to share their proposed infrastructure and improvement project for the reconstruction of the Eagle Iron Works company store, the Curtin railroad station and a rail siding. These elements support a placemaking effort to link communities, historic destinations, outdoor recreation, programs and events, and inspire visitors to explore Centre County's connections to Pennsylvania history via a new and exciting joint effort with the Bellefonte Historic Railroad Society to develop rail excursions.”

Cassandra Coleman, executive director of America 250PA, stated, “America250PA is so excited to work with the bi-partisan, bicameral Infrastructure Improvements & Projects Committee to identify 250th legacy projects across our commonwealth. This will provide us with an opportunity to truly hear from communities on exactly what they want to see in each of their regions, and we hope every Pennsylvanian will engage in this process.”

The IIPC is the result of bipartisan legislation by State Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., and former State Rep. Wendi Thomas to implement legacy infrastructure projects across the commonwealth in celebration of the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. The committee comprises 24 appointed members of the General Assembly.

Testifiers for the hearing included:

Eric Rusnak — Philipsburg Revitalization Corp.
Tom Fountaine — Borough of State College
David Kovach — Stuart Tank Memorial Association
Sue Hannegan — The Roland Curtin Foundation for the Preservation of Eagle Furnace
Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins and Amber Concepcion on behalf of Andrew Richard — Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society
Mary Sorensen and Roger Williams (president, Centre County Historical Society) — Centre County Historical Society
Edward Stoddard & Fritz Smith — The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau