Pennsylvania Highway Information Association 2009 Conference

PHIA is Pennsylvania’s leader in educating the public on the importance of a safe and modern highway system. Our mission is to help policymakers, the media, and the public understand that economic prosperity and a good quality of life simply cannot exist without a sound highway system.

In 2009 the PHIA was redesigning their website and asked visitors to please check back soon.

The Pennsylvania Highway Information Association new website is now live at http://pahighwayinfo.org/.

This page was created from 2009 archived content from pahighways.org.

Reading the content of this page is reminiscent of infrastructure and environmental management issues we tackle once a month on the island of Maui where I reside. Our duties include:

  • Infrastructure and Environmental Management Committee duties include reviewing and considering:
  • County facilities construction and maintenance (including road, drainage, and waste management systems), except for water supply and energy issues.
  • Amendments to the Subdivision ordinance, Housing Code, and Building Code.
  • Traffic safety.
  • Issues relating to the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the environment, except for energy issues, but including recycling.
  • Operations of the Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Public Works.

 

Richard Forte : Really felt this event was valuable. People don't realize the effort required to keep our highway infrastructure functioning and safe. Had an interesting convo with a couple of lawyer brothers - one a truck accident attorney, the other a partner in a team of Louisiana maritime lawyers. I asked why a maritime guy was at an event addressing highways in a landlocked state after he showed me one of his websites. He told me to think of trucks and ships as analogues of one another. On the highways, people are injured by trucks, mostly owned and operated by large corporations. On the seas, people are injured by boats and rigs, mostly owned and operated by large corporations. In both cases the victims usu require legal action to be properly compensated.

 

Renata Brandt : When we moved from Harrisburg PA to the Hawaiian Islands about ten years ago when my company relocated me, my wife and I were thrilled. We initially contacted a property management firm to rent a condo on Maui. We were somewhat familiar with Maui having vacationed there several times. We had rented condos in Wailea and Makena, but now needed to look in the Lahaina area or farther north towards Kahana along the north western side of the island. But I digress. The Road to Prosperity conference was a great networking opportunity for me. It was at this conference that I met the person who eventually connected me with the individual who hired me for my present job in Maui.

 

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The Road to Prosperity: 21st Century Transportation Infrastructure focuses on the connection between transportation infrastructure and future prosperity in Pennsylvania. We have compiled data and information from a wide array of sources to create a foundation from which transportation professionals, policy makers and business leaders can address this serious problem in search of a long term, comprehensive solution. We believe that the conversation about transportation infrastructure needs to change, to create an environment where solutions can be crafted. It is our hope that this booklet helps take the discussion to a new and more productive level.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Pennsylvania Highway Information Association
800 N. Third Street
5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone: 717-236-6021
Fax: 717-238-5060
Jason Wagner, Managing Director

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Associated Pennsylvania Constructors

APC is a trade association that unites more than 400 members including prime and subcontractors, consulting engineers, material suppliers, manufacturers, and others with an interest in Pennsylvania’s road and bridge construction industry. The association has been serving the industry for more than 80 years and represents the majority of actively bidding contractors in the Commonwealth’s $1.6-billion highway industry. Together, the association and its membership are focused on Building Highways…Bridging Communities.

Our mission is to focus the efforts and resources of the APC membership to:

  • Advocate adequate funding for Pennsylvania’s transportation needs
  • Foster a positive partnership between governmental agencies and officials and APC members based on trust and integrity
  • Promote quality in the design and construction of transportation systems

 

 

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2009

Pennsylvania Highway Information Association’s (PHIA) Annual Infrastructure Conference

 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The Honorable Robert C. Wonderling
Senator Robert C. Wonderling is the current Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. Wonderling served as Deputy Secretary of Administration for PennDOT during the Ridge Administration. 

Welcome

The Pennsylvania Highway Information Association’s (PHIA) Annual Infrastructure Conference will bring together national industry leaders, elected officials, PennDOT staff, and PA Turnpike personnel in order to learn more about why current infrastructure funding mechanisms are no longer sustainable in a rapidly changing world. This conference will feature national and state speakers who will not only discuss the current challenges we face but will present innovative solutions that need to be embraced if we are going to have a 21st century infrastructure system.

Registration

The conference is open to all APC and PHIA members and others with an interest in Pennsylvania’s transportation construction industry. You will learn how federal and state emerging trends will impact your company’s future contract awards.

Lodging

No reason for more travel once you arrive in Harrisburg. You can reserve your room at the Hilton Harrisburg, the site of the conference.
Room Block Ends Feb. 7

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsoring an event at the conference is your opportunity to reach key public and private sector decision makers! Your support will be recognized through signage and printed materials during the conference and on the conference website.

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Infrastructure Conference Agenda

 

Times are subject to change.

7:30 - 8:45 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:45 - 9:00 AM Opening Remarks/Introductions/Sponsor Recognition
Ronald J. Drnevich, PHIA President

9:00 -9:30 AM The Future of Infrastructure: A Federal Perspective<
Renee Sigel, FHWA PA Division Administrator

9:30 - 10:00 AM “The Road to Prosperity”
Where do we need our infrastructure to be in 10 years?
Dennis M. Powell
Massey Powell

10:00 - 10:30 AM Refreshment Break

10:30 - 11:15 AM “PA’s Plans for the Economic Stimulus&rdquo
Allen D. Biehler, P.E., Secretary, PA Department of Transportation

11:15 -12 noon “The Future of Transportation in an Energy Conscience World”
Moderated by:
Barry J. Schoch, PHIA Vice President

Panelists:
Robert Reilly, Office of Congressman Todd Platts
Representative from the Ford Motor Corp

12 noon Closing Remarks
Ronald J. Drnevich, PHIA President

 

PHIA Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon

 

12:00 - 1:30 PM Opening Remarks/Invocation
Ronald J. Drnevich, PHIA President
Invocation by: Ron L. Geist

Special Recognitions of Service

Keynote Speaker
“PA’s Infrastructure Challenges”
The Honorable Robert C. Wonderling
Chairman, Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee

Nomination of New Board Members

John Burkhardt, PHIA Nominating Committee Chairman
Arora and Associates
PHIA Advocate of the Year Award Recognition
Ronald J. Drnevich, PHIA President

Recipients:

The Honorable Joseph Markosek
Mr. Joseph Brimmeier

 

 

More Background on PAHighways.org

Pennsylvania Highways is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to the history, development, and intricacies of Pennsylvania's highway system. Established in 1997 by Jeffrey J. Kitsko, the website offers detailed information on the state's interstate, U.S., and state highways, including their histories, current statuses, and future plans. The site serves as a valuable tool for road enthusiasts, historians, and travelers interested in Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure.

History and Development

The inception of Pennsylvania Highways coincided with the early days of the internet, a time when information about state-specific highway systems was scarce online. Recognizing this gap, Kitsko, a native of the Pittsburgh area with a keen interest in roads and cartography, launched the website to document and share information about Pennsylvania's highways. Over the years, the site has expanded to include detailed histories of each highway, exit guides, information on toll roads, and updates on construction projects.

Content and Features

Pennsylvania Highways offers a wide array of content, including:

  • Route Histories: Detailed narratives of each interstate, U.S., and state highway in Pennsylvania, outlining their origins, modifications, and significant milestones.

  • Exit Guides: Comprehensive lists of exits for major highways, providing travelers with information on services and attractions available at each interchange.

  • Toll Information: Insights into Pennsylvania's toll roads, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, with details on toll rates, plazas, and policies.

  • Construction Updates: Information on ongoing and upcoming construction projects that may impact travel within the state.

  • Photo Galleries: A collection of photographs showcasing various highways, bridges, and landmarks across Pennsylvania.

Audience and Reception

The website caters to a diverse audience, including transportation professionals, historians, educators, students, and general travelers. Its detailed and meticulously researched content has garnered appreciation from users seeking in-depth information about Pennsylvania's highways. While specific reviews are limited, the longevity and continued updates of the site suggest a positive reception within its niche community.

Cultural and Social Significance

Pennsylvania Highways holds cultural significance as it documents the evolution of the state's transportation network, reflecting broader trends in American infrastructure development. The site preserves the history of roadways that have been instrumental in shaping the economic and social landscape of Pennsylvania. By providing accessible information, it fosters a greater appreciation and understanding of the state's transportation heritage among the public.

Media Coverage and Collaborations

While direct media coverage of Pennsylvania Highways is limited, the website has been referenced in various transportation forums and discussions. Its comprehensive data has made it a go-to resource for individuals seeking detailed information on Pennsylvania's roadways. Additionally, the site has collaborated with other road enthusiasts and historians, contributing to a broader community dedicated to documenting and preserving highway history.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to similar websites focusing on other states' highways, such as California Highways, Pennsylvania Highways stands out for its depth of information and user-friendly interface. Both sites share a common goal of educating the public about state-specific transportation systems, offering detailed route histories, legislative changes, and historical maps. California Highways, for instance, provides extensive information on the state's numbered highways, including legislative definitions, highway history, and exit information.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Maintaining and updating a comprehensive resource like Pennsylvania Highways presents challenges, particularly in keeping up with ongoing changes in the state's transportation infrastructure. However, the dedication of its creator and the support from its user community suggest a commitment to ensuring the site's continued relevance and accuracy. Future prospects may include the incorporation of interactive maps, user-generated content, and expanded multimedia galleries to enhance user engagement.

 

Pennsylvania Highways serves as a testament to the importance of documenting and sharing the history of transportation infrastructure. Through its comprehensive coverage of the state's highways, the website not only informs but also preserves the legacy of Pennsylvania's roadways for future generations. Its cultural and educational significance cannot be overstated, as it provides valuable insights into the development and impact of transportation networks on society.

 

 

PAHighways.org