Turnpike Slip Ramp

Letter to Governor Ridge

Dear Governor Ridge:

In 1998 the Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority announced plans to investigate and install a number of "slip ramps" on the turnpike. The locations it was considering included a possible exit at Route 29 and Whitehorse Road in Chester County, a site which could have severe adverse impact on Charlestown Township.

A number of Charlestown residents immediately took up opposition to any such plan and, in fact, a petition was signed by more than 700 people stating their opposition. But many others simply asked the Turnpike Authority for more information, and requested that some research, including an Origin and Destination Study be done to determine the true impact on our tiny township and its small country roads.

I am appalled to report to you that the Turnpike Authority has literally turned a deaf ear towards us. If any studies have been conducted, we have no knowledge of them or the results. There has been no public discussion or conversation. No public hearings. No acknowledgement of the petition submitted to them. They seem to have adopted an attitude reminiscent of everything wrong with the old style of big government: "We can do whatever we want, and you have nothing to say about it."

We have been told, for example, that they do not have to file an environmental impact statement because no federal funds will be used. What does destroying the environment have to do with federal funds? There are higher laws than the federal government.

Governor Ridge, these people work for you. If the people who worked for me displayed this sort of arrogance, I would take immediate and decisive steps to change their point of view. I respecfully request that you do the same.

Yours truly,

Paul Stevens