Decades have passed in preparation for this day, but we did* it. (Well, ‘we did*’ at least two-thirds of it.) Yesterday marked the official opening of the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway. The route will be fully opened to traffic next week. Truly a team effort which involved no less than five different Chamber Transportation Chairs and their deep connections and relationships with dozens of appointed and elected officials.
A grand day, indeed! Hope you enjoy this video, produced by our good friend Dave Hilliard and the team at The Daily Item as much as I enjoyed being part of the ribbon cutting (2/3rds completed) and groundbreaking (1/3rd to go) festivities.
Photo That Took Decades
Pictured left to right is your current Chamber President/CEO Bob Garrett, who served as the GSVCC (Central Susquehanna Valley Chamber, at the time) Transportation Committee Chair from 1989-1994 while President of the Route 15 Coalition at the same time. Next to him is Ben Reichley of L.B. Water who served as the Transportation Committee Chair from 1995-1999. Beside Ben is the Honorable Joe McGranaghan, current Transportation Committee Chair, coordinator of the CSVT Task Force, and Mayor of Shamokin Dam Borough. Joe has chaired the committee since 2000. Todd Roup, who is clearly now retired from his position as Chief of Staff for State Senators Helfrick and Gordner, served as the chair from 1985-1988.
This foursome of transportation advocates also fondly remembered the leadership and example set for them by Mr. David Murray who preceded them as Chamber Transportation Chair. Dave was unable to attend yesterday’s festivities; however, he is widely credited for his tireless efforts in working to rebuild or repair all the bridges across the Susquehanna River in our valley. It was Dave’s example of working cooperatively with PennDOT and our state and federal elected officials with a long-term vision for prosperity which was foundational to yesterday’s joint ribbon cutting/groundbreaking.
