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BEDFORD -- County commissioners on Tuesday called for applicants to join the Old Pennsylvania Pike Authority to fix two abandoned turnpike tunnels in Bedford and Fulton counties to create a pike-to-bike attraction.
There is a master plan to reconstruct the tunnels along the 8.5-mile stretch to Breezewood to create a recreational facility, similar to rails to trails. Bedford County commissioners aim to appoint authority members to begin work on the plan within a few weeks and would like to begin applying for project grants in April.
"There's a lot of construction that needs to take place to get it up and running. There's some structure deficiencies" in addition to other safety concerns, according to Josh Lang, commissioner chairman.
If the project gets up and running, "that would certainly be a success for the community," Lang said.
Barry Dallara, commissioner vice chairman, said he hopes the stretch to Breezewood can become an "asset to the county," calling the reconstruction plan "a positive project."
The board is looking for three authority members for Bedford County and three for Fulton County.
During the meeting, commissioners also approved the appointment of Nevin J. Sollenberger of New Enterprise as conservation district director to replace Ronald Stanley. Sollenberger's term lasts until Dec. 31.
The board approved the hiring of Rocky Fetter of Bedford as chief deputy coroner, as well. Sam Gordon of Everett, former chief deputy, was approved to become deputy coroner.