Important Update on the Current Wildfires: Stay Informed and Stay Safe!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Dave Thompson, 717-418-5018, dmthompson@pa.gov
In-Person Open House Planned for Route 234 (E. Berlin Rd.) Intersection Safety Improvement Projects
Open house will feature two companion projects; Online plans display will be available for viewing beginning Thursday, May 1
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that an in-person open house is planned for Thursday, May 8, for two intersection improvement projects on Route 234 (E. Berlin Road) near the Village of Hampton in Reading Township, Adams County.
These companion projects include:
1. Route 234 (East Berlin Road) and Stoney Point Road intersection safety improvement project located approximately 0.75 miles east of the Village of Hampton.
2. Route 234 (East Berlin Road) and Peepytown Road intersection safety improvement project located approximately 1.4 miles east of the Village of Hampton.
An open house is scheduled for 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Reading Township Community Center (Firehall) along South Firehouse Alley in the Village of Hampton to share information and get input on the proposed alternatives for either project. PennDOT and consultant staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the projects.
As an alternative to attending the open house, separate public plan displays will be available to view online from May 1, 2025, to May 30, 2025. A 30-day comment period will begin May 1 when the plan displays become available for viewing.
The Route 234 (East Berlin Road) and Stoney Point Road intersection safety improvement project may consist of safety improvements, which may include an intersection skew angle change, relocation of the township-owned leg or convert it to a roundabout to improve safety and traffic flow with several potential alternatives.
The Route 234 (East Berlin Road) and Peepytown Road intersection safety improvement project may consist of an intersection realignment to improve safety and traffic flow with several potential intersection alternatives.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Dave Thompson, 717-418-5018, dmthompson@pa.gov
In-Person Open House Planned for Route 234 (E. Berlin Rd.) Intersection Safety Improvement Projects
Open house will feature two companion projects; Online plans display will be available for viewing beginning Thursday, May 1
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that an in-person open house is planned for Thursday, May 8, for two intersection improvement projects on Route 234 (E. Berlin Road) near the Village of Hampton in Reading Township, Adams County.
These companion projects include:
1. Route 234 (East Berlin Road) and Stoney Point Road intersection safety improvement project located approximately 0.75 miles east of the Village of Hampton.
2. Route 234 (East Berlin Road) and Peepytown Road intersection safety improvement project located approximately 1.4 miles east of the Village of Hampton.
An open house is scheduled for 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Reading Township Community Center (Firehall) along South Firehouse Alley in the Village of Hampton to share information and get input on the proposed alternatives for either project. PennDOT and consultant staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the projects.
As an alternative to attending the open house, separate public plan displays will be available to view online from May 1, 2025, to May 30, 2025. A 30-day comment period will begin May 1 when the plan displays become available for viewing.
The Route 234 (East Berlin Road) and Stoney Point Road intersection safety improvement project may consist of safety improvements, which may include an intersection skew angle change, relocation of the township-owned leg or convert it to a roundabout to improve safety and traffic flow with several potential alternatives.
The Route 234 (East Berlin Road) and Peepytown Road intersection safety improvement project may consist of an intersection realignment to improve safety and traffic flow with several potential intersection alternatives.
Apr 24th - 1800 First Library of Congress established
Evening of Wed, Apr 23, 2025 – Thu, Apr 24, 2025 is observed as Israel’s day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews and five million others who perished in the Holocaust as a result of the actions carried out by Nazi Germany and its accessories, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. In Israel, it is a national memorial day and public holiday.
I currently have two bills in the Education Committee aimed at helping prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.
The first bill, SB127, amends the Public School Code of 1949 (Act of March 10, 1949, P.L. 30, No. 14) regarding the courses of study. It repeals certain provisions related to Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations instruction and mandates the inclusion of Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction and providing for Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction required.
The second bill, SB126, also amends the Public School Code of 1949, focusing on preliminary provisions and providing for special provisions applicable to the 2025-2026 school year.
Evening of Wed, Apr 23, 2025 – Thu, Apr 24, 2025 is observed as Israel’s day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews and five million others who perished in the Holocaust as a result of the actions carried out by Nazi Germany and its accessories, and for the Jewish resistance in that period. In Israel, it is a national memorial day and public holiday.
I currently have two bills in the Education Committee aimed at helping prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.
The first bill, SB127, amends the Public School Code of 1949 (Act of March 10, 1949, P.L. 30, No. 14) regarding the courses of study. It repeals certain provisions related to Holocaust, genocide, and human rights violations instruction and mandates the inclusion of Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction and providing for Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction required.
The second bill, SB126, also amends the Public School Code of 1949, focusing on preliminary provisions and providing for special provisions applicable to the 2025-2026 school year.
Listen as I respond to my recent Telephone Town Hall questions regarding what is happening in our skies and what you can do about it! You can take meaningful action! Your voice matters—let’s make a difference together!!
I have introduced SB508, The Clean Air Act, which is an Act prohibiting solar radiation modification or sunlight reflection methods, cloud seeding, and polluting atmospheric interventions within this Commonwealth; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania State Police and sheriffs; and imposing penalties.
You can check the Bill`s progress here: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb508
Listen as I respond to my recent Telephone Town Hall questions regarding what is happening in our skies and what you can do about it! You can take meaningful action! Your voice matters—let’s make a difference together!!
I have introduced SB508, The Clean Air Act, which is an Act prohibiting solar radiation modification or sunlight reflection methods, cloud seeding, and polluting atmospheric interventions within this Commonwealth; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania State Police and sheriffs; and imposing penalties.
You can check the Bill`s progress here: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb508
I am excited to announce that I am introducing SB601 to make Ivermectin available over-the-counter in Pennsylvania. This initiative will empower our citizens with greater access to an important treatment option!
I am excited to announce that I am introducing SB601 to make Ivermectin available over-the-counter in Pennsylvania. This initiative will empower our citizens with greater access to an important treatment option!
My staff and I met with members of the Borough Association to discuss my bill, SB 194. This bill aims to offer local governments a flexible menu of options for meeting current requirements related to advertising and providing public notice in printed newspapers. By modernizing our advertising requirements, this proposal will generate much-needed savings for local governments. The conversation was both productive and engaging!
My staff and I met with members of the Borough Association to discuss my bill, SB 194. This bill aims to offer local governments a flexible menu of options for meeting current requirements related to advertising and providing public notice in printed newspapers. By modernizing our advertising requirements, this proposal will generate much-needed savings for local governments. The conversation was both productive and engaging!
SB601 Allowing Ivermectin to be Available Over the Counter in Pennsylvania.
I am pleased to announce that I will be introducing legislation SB601 to allow ivermectin, a proven antiparasitic medication, to be sold over the counter (OTC) in Pennsylvania. This important proposal aims to enhance access to this safe and effective treatment for various parasitic conditions, empowering residents to manage their health more efficiently.
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved medication primarily used for treating infections such as river blindness, strongyloidiasis, scabies, and lice. With a long history of safe use, this legislation is designed to have a positive impact on public health, especially in underserved and rural communities.
Key benefits of this proposal include:
Increasing Access to Critical Medication: Residents will have faster access to ivermectin, reducing wait times and lessening dependency on healthcare providers for conditions that do not require extensive consultation. This is particularly beneficial for those in rural areas facing healthcare barriers.
Proven Safety and Effectiveness: Ivermectin has been extensively studied and shown to have minimal side effects when used as directed, making its topical formulations safe and easy to apply.
Supporting Public Health: Allowing OTC access could help control the spread of parasitic diseases like scabies, while also reducing the burden on healthcare systems by decreasing unnecessary emergency visits for manageable conditions.
Encouraging Health Autonomy: By removing the prescription requirement, individuals can take charge of their health regarding preventative care for minor conditions.
Pennsylvania joins a growing movement, with states like Tennessee already passing similar legislation and others considering it. Countries including South Africa, Australia, and Mexico have successfully implemented OTC access to ivermectin as well.
It is time for Pennsylvania to make this necessary change. With proven efficacy and a strong safety record, enabling over-the-counter access to ivermectin will significantly benefit our communities.
SB601 Allowing Ivermectin to be Available Over the Counter in Pennsylvania.
I am pleased to announce that I will be introducing legislation SB601 to allow ivermectin, a proven antiparasitic medication, to be sold over the counter (OTC) in Pennsylvania. This important proposal aims to enhance access to this safe and effective treatment for various parasitic conditions, empowering residents to manage their health more efficiently.
Ivermectin is an FDA-approved medication primarily used for treating infections such as river blindness, strongyloidiasis, scabies, and lice. With a long history of safe use, this legislation is designed to have a positive impact on public health, especially in underserved and rural communities.
Key benefits of this proposal include:
Increasing Access to Critical Medication: Residents will have faster access to ivermectin, reducing wait times and lessening dependency on healthcare providers for conditions that do not require extensive consultation. This is particularly beneficial for those in rural areas facing healthcare barriers.
Proven Safety and Effectiveness: Ivermectin has been extensively studied and shown to have minimal side effects when used as directed, making its topical formulations safe and easy to apply.
Supporting Public Health: Allowing OTC access could help control the spread of parasitic diseases like scabies, while also reducing the burden on healthcare systems by decreasing unnecessary emergency visits for manageable conditions.
Encouraging Health Autonomy: By removing the prescription requirement, individuals can take charge of their health regarding preventative care for minor conditions.
Pennsylvania joins a growing movement, with states like Tennessee already passing similar legislation and others considering it. Countries including South Africa, Australia, and Mexico have successfully implemented OTC access to ivermectin as well.
It is time for Pennsylvania to make this necessary change. With proven efficacy and a strong safety record, enabling over-the-counter access to ivermectin will significantly benefit our communities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Dave Thompson, 717-418-5018, or at dmthompson@pa.gov
PennDOT Announces Online Plans Display for the Route 30 Bridge Preservation Project in Peters Township, Franklin County
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to an online plan display regarding the Route 30 bridge preservation project in Franklin County. The bridge spans the West Branch of the Conococheague Creek in Peters Township, Franklin County, approximately 12 miles west of Chambersburg. The purpose of this project is to preserve the bridge and provide continued safe and efficient crossing of Route 30 over West Branch of the Conococheague Creek.
The existing structure was built in 1960 and is a two-span composite prestressed concrete beam bridge supported on full-height concrete abutments at a 65-degree skew. A wall pier in the center of the bridge is located in the West Branch of the Conococheague Creek. The bridge length is 118-feet, 3-inches.
The project involves the replacement of the expansion joints at the abutments and pier, substructure spall repairs and repair of a scour hole at an abutment. A temporary stream diversion (cofferdam setup) will be constructed to complete the scour repairs. The overall geometry of the bridge will not be affected by the repairs.
This section of Lincoln Highway has an average daily traffic volume of 6012 vehicles per day (vpd).
The bridge will remain open to traffic during construction with limited shoulder closures during the day to install scour protection under the bridge and repair the substructures. Half width bridge closures will occur at night to allow for the joint replacement using an alternating traffic pattern in one lane with flaggers.
There are no overhead utilities present at the site.
The project is currently in design, and construction work is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027 and last approximately 3 months.
The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and solicit public input, questions, or concerns regarding the project.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Dave Thompson, 717-418-5018, or at dmthompson@pa.gov
PennDOT Announces Online Plans Display for the Route 30 Bridge Preservation Project in Peters Township, Franklin County
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to an online plan display regarding the Route 30 bridge preservation project in Franklin County. The bridge spans the West Branch of the Conococheague Creek in Peters Township, Franklin County, approximately 12 miles west of Chambersburg. The purpose of this project is to preserve the bridge and provide continued safe and efficient crossing of Route 30 over West Branch of the Conococheague Creek.
The existing structure was built in 1960 and is a two-span composite prestressed concrete beam bridge supported on full-height concrete abutments at a 65-degree skew. A wall pier in the center of the bridge is located in the West Branch of the Conococheague Creek. The bridge length is 118-feet, 3-inches.
The project involves the replacement of the expansion joints at the abutments and pier, substructure spall repairs and repair of a scour hole at an abutment. A temporary stream diversion (cofferdam setup) will be constructed to complete the scour repairs. The overall geometry of the bridge will not be affected by the repairs.
This section of Lincoln Highway has an average daily traffic volume of 6012 vehicles per day (vpd).
The bridge will remain open to traffic during construction with limited shoulder closures during the day to install scour protection under the bridge and repair the substructures. Half width bridge closures will occur at night to allow for the joint replacement using an alternating traffic pattern in one lane with flaggers.
There are no overhead utilities present at the site.
The project is currently in design, and construction work is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027 and last approximately 3 months.
The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and solicit public input, questions, or concerns regarding the project.
I had a meeting at my Gettysburg District office last week to discuss the safety of emergency responders. It was an honor to award Todd Leiss the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal in recognition of his tireless efforts to protect those working on our roadways, particularly first responders and truck operators!
I had a meeting at my Gettysburg District office last week to discuss the safety of emergency responders. It was an honor to award Todd Leiss the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal in recognition of his tireless efforts to protect those working on our roadways, particularly first responders and truck operators!
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:6
"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:6
As we approach The Days that recognize the Death and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, My resolution, SR 84, has been introduced to remind the citizens of Pennsylvania that Good Friday, the Day that Christians recognize that God’s Son gave his earthly life to save humanity, is indeed an officially recognized holiday in the state of Pennsylvania as stated in ACT 138 of May 31st, 1893.
As we approach The Days that recognize the Death and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, My resolution, SR 84, has been introduced to remind the citizens of Pennsylvania that Good Friday, the Day that Christians recognize that God’s Son gave his earthly life to save humanity, is indeed an officially recognized holiday in the state of Pennsylvania as stated in ACT 138 of May 31st, 1893.