2008 News

September 16, 2008

Environment, Transportation, Multi-Municipal Planning and Preparedness on Tap at First County Municipal Officials Seminar

On an unseasonably hot Saturday morning, elected officials and managers from municipalities ranging from Bensalem to Springfield gathered to hear and discuss common issues during the Bucks County Planning Commission’s municipal seminar. Set at Bucks County Community College on September 13, the half-day event offered more than 60 participants a dozen seminar options to choose from, with topics ranging from developing Brownfield sites, open space, traffic and transportation, the municipal role in public safety, and multi-municipal planning. Speakers were drawn from county staff, and public and private partner agencies.

Planning Commission Chairman Ed Kisselback opened the forum by welcoming participants. Commissioner Charles H. Martin was also on hand to laud the county/municipal partnership demonstrated at the event, which is necessary for forward-moving progress in the county.

The morning assemblages concluded in time for officials to hear from Commissioner Chairman Jim Cawley, who reminded the group of the strong county-local partnerships needed to preserve open space and to plan for sensible development.  To cap off the event, luncheon keynote speaker Barry Seymour, executive director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) delivered “The Future of the Region – Making Transportation Connections for a Sustainable Future.”  The DVRPC plays a major role in setting policy and addressing regional issues, from determining how transportation dollars are spent, to conducting research on greenhouse gases.  The message from Mr. Seymour is that we cannot continue to expect Washington and Harrisburg to fund the highway improvements that Bucks County needs. New ways to fund local road improvements must be explored, with greater emphasis on local funding.

Executive Director Lynn Bush points out that the day was enhanced by participation, facilitated by a number of expert speakers on hand at the various sessions.  “I view today as a success,” she stated.  “Anytime we can get the municipal stakeholders to congregate and discuss compelling issues relating to Bucks County, this is time well spent.”