BELLEFONTE — PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards joined Centre County officials and community leaders Tuesday to celebrate the high-speed I-99/I-80 interchange project.

The event was hosted by the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County and supporters of the “DRIVE Forward” transportation initiative.

PennDOT recently was awarded $35 million in federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant funding, which will enable the eventual construction of a high-speed I-99/I-80 interchange and a local access interchange to replace the Bellefonte exit. The federal grant is leveraging another $150 million from PennDOT to complete the total funding package of $185 million.

“The INFRA grant monies will have a positive impact on travel in and around Centre County and will make every destination in the region more easily accessible. PennDOT is thrilled to see this project move forward,” Richards said in a statement.

“I am so pleased that after more than a decade of planning, the high-speed interchange at I-80 and Jacksonville Road will finally come to fruition,” U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson. R-5th District, said in a statement. “This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will have widespread benefits for the traveling public and surrounding area.”

In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre, said projects such as this are an important piece of local economic development.

“Working toward ensuring quality roadways is the keystone of our investments in the future of our communities,” Corman said. “A convenient and reliable highway system, combined with the efforts of the CBICC and our skilled workforce, means employers will continue seeking out our region to provide family-sustaining jobs.”