The "Grand Daddy" of Economic Development Projects Complete
The final section of Interstate 99, from Gray's Woods to Port Matilda in Centre County, opened at the end of Novemeber marking the full realization of a vision that was born in Bedford County in the early 1970's. $700 million and 36 years later, traffic - and commerce, research and knowledge - can now flow freely between Interstate 80 in Centre County and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 76) in Bedford County.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, which took place ont he southbound side of the roadway, PennDOT Secretary Allen Biechler welcomed a large group of well wishers, including most of the men and women responsible for the road's existence.
"This was a dream for a lot of folks," he began. "But is was (Former Congressman) Bud Shuster's vision and persistence that to it done. Creation of this highway spaned the administrations of five governors. It is nearly 100 miles long and the first section opened in 1971."