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34 The Authority | February 2025 • Right-of-Way Agreements: SCMA entered multiple ROW agreements with PennDOT, enabling excavation and reconstruction to eliminate hazardous roadway curves and enhance alignment compliance. • Telecommunications Infrastructure: Partnering with Verizon, SCMA facilitated the relocation of high-speed fiber- optic cables by utilizing its utility corridor. This coordination avoided additional permitting delays and ensured federal funding timelines were met. • Railroad Bridge Rehabilitation: SCMA spearheaded the rehabilitation of two former railroad bridges, enabling infrastructure placement over Mill Creek. PennDOT District 5-0 Executive Christopher Kufro, P.E., lauded SCMA’s role, remarking, “SCMA saved the project.” Revitalizing History and Recreation The Schuylkill River Greenway Association (SRGA) Mill Creek Trail is another testament to SCMA’s commitment to community enrichment. As part of the 120-mile Schuylkill River Trail network, this 3.5-mile section will connect Frackville to St. Clair, offering pedestrians and cyclists a scenic route through Schuylkill County. Key Milestones • Historic Bridge Preservation: SCMA donated the 1878 Bowstring Truss Bridge for rehabilitation. One of only two such bridges in Pennsylvania, it will serve as a centerpiece of the trail. The original bridge was rehabilitated to preserve original construction design elements. • Trail Partnerships: By partnering with the SRGA and offering the former railroad bed/utility corridor for use, SCMA has ensured the development of a pedestrian-friendly Transforming article continued from page 12. corridor alongside its utility infrastructure. A $1.5 million TASA grant secured by SRGA underscores the project’s potential. • Coordination with Famous Reading Offroad (FRO): SCMA’s agreements with FRO integrate off-road vehicle trails alongside the SRGA Trail, fostering a multi- use recreational destination poised to boost local tourism and economic development. A Legacy of Innovation Since its involvement in the SR61 project’s conceptual stage in 2014, SCMA has exemplified dedication to public service and strategic problem- solving. From preserving history to advancing infrastructure, the Authority has set a benchmark for collaborative innovation. Reflecting on this achievement, SCMA Executive Director, Patrick M. Caulfield, P.E., remarked, “As we celebrate our 190 th anniversary, SCMA is proud to have built partnerships