By Stacey Federoff
If a connecting corridor between the Pennsylvania Turnpike at New Stanton and Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity ever comes to fruition, students from Greater Latrobe and Derry Area high schools have their own ideas about how to spur economic growth.
Economic students proposed construction of a convention center, an amphitheater, a military base or a recreation center last week during the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber’s annual Economic Exchange Day.
The long-sought Laurel Valley connector would link Route 30 with the Pennsylvania Turnpike, via an expanded Route 981. Westmoreland County officials have indicated the project is on the state’s long list of proposed transportation improvement projects, but no approval has been granted.
About 50 students heard presentations from Gabe Monzo, airport authority executive director; Rachel Duda, PennDOT assistant district executive; William Beaumariage, PennDOT district portfolio manager; Brian Lawrence, assistant deputy director of the Westmoreland County Planning Department; Rick Ebert, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau president from Blairsville; Ann Nemanic, vice president of partnership development for the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau; and Mike O’Barto, Unity Township supervisor.
Read more: http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourlatrobe/yourlatrobemore/8180548-74/students-economic-latrobe