In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it can be hard to stay actively involved in the government process.
In an effort to meet citizen’s half way, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced it will hold its next meeting at a new location – the Internet.
PennDOT will hold an online public meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss the updates to the 12-year transportation program. PennDOT secretary Barry J. Schoch will be discussing the latest updates to the program.
“Every two years we work with our planning partners and with the state transportation commission and identify the projects, from bridges and highways, to bike and pedestrian facilities and transit projects and that’s all on our plans for the future,” PennDOT spokeswoman Erin Waters-Trassatt said.
Projects are reassessed and prioritized to best maintain the state’s transportation infrastructure while looking ahead. The meeting typically takes place in a physical location, but PennDOT is trying a new approach by taking the meeting to the web. PennDOT is hoping for greater involvement by bringing the event directly to citizens.
“In the past we had done regional public meetings that people couldn’t always attend, you know we all have busy schedules,” Waters-Trassatt said. “So, we’re hopeful that … when people can participate from the convenience of home, people will be able to be more engaged.”
Participants who register beforehand can watch Schoch’s address and also ask any questions they may have concerning the updates. Those unable to attend the webcast can also provide input via an online survey that will remain active on PennDOT’s website until Oct. 7.
