Alleghenies Ahead

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alleghenies Ahead Project Manager Katie Kinka and Huntingdon County Planning Director Mark Colussy join Ethan to go back to 2014 and the beginning of the Alleghenies Ahead planning process. Katie and Mark provide insights into the award winning, first of its kind effort in Pennsylvania and how exactly six counties came together to create a plan for the Southern Alleghenies region.

Mike Cook singlehandedly leads the effort to build a trail network in downtown Johnstown, and right beside one of the Southern Alleghenies most visible tourist destinations. Mike tells Ethan about how he and his hearty band of volunteers transformed this once abandoned trail system into a catalytic recreational project.

Institutions of higher learning are key collaborators in the Alleghenies Ahead planning process. Dr. John Mills has prioritized both recreation and workforce development during his tenure as President of Mount Aloysius College. In this episode, Dr. Mills discusses his recreation based initiatives and the reason he thinks recreation is a key part of future in the Southern Alleghenies region. Dr. Mills also discusses unique workforce development partnerships he is fostering between Mount Aloysius College and local school districts in Blair and Cambria counties.

Never heard of Alleghenies Ahead? Podcast host Ethan Imhoff provides a five minute introduction to the Alleghenies Ahead planning process.