Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces INVEST PA Program Enhancements New management partnership, Federated Hermes, Inc., will enhance benefits for INVEST PA participants. Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that Treasury’s INVEST PA program, formerly called INVEST, will see significant positive changes for program participants thanks to the program’s first upgrade in more than 20 years. These enhancements are possible through the hiring of Pittsburgh-based Federated Hermes, Inc., as the new program manager for INVEST PA. INVEST PA is an investment tool designed specifically for local government entities and nonprofit organizations that has daily liquidity, no minimum balances, no minimum deposits and no limit on the number of transactions that can be made. “I’m thrilled to announce this new partnership with Federated Hermes that will bring lower fees and anticipated higher yields for INVEST PA participants,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Federated Hermes boasts a long-term track record of providing competitive performance, diligent credit analysis, a transparent framework and a participant-centered service model, and we’re excited to work with them to bring the best results for our local governments and nonprofits that rely on INVEST PA to meet their financial goals and fulfill their missions.” INVEST PA’s more than 400 participants include municipalities, counties, school districts, fire companies, libraries and many others. In total, participants have $1.4 billion in assets. There are two INVEST PA pools, the Daily Pool for local government agencies and the Community Pool for nonprofit organizations. Both pools maintain the highest S&P rating, AAAm. There are also periodic custom investment opportunities for longer-term needs. Investment management services will be provided by Federated Hermes’ wholly owned registered investment advisor subsidiary, Federated Investment Counseling. Federated Hermes’ investment team of more than 140 liquidity and fixed income analysts, portfolio managers, and traders averaging more than 20 years of experience, will provide investment management for both INVEST PA pools. Through the new management relationship, new and existing INVEST PA participants can expect to experience: Lower fees; Anticipated higher yields; Extended trading hours; New website & interactive portal; Enhanced security features; INVEST PA Academy, providing educational opportunities for participants; More frequent wire distributions; Ability to mail in checks; Enhanced program oversight; and Improved customer service, with dedicated resources for INVEST PA participants. “Federated Hermes has a heritage of working with state treasurers to deliver customized investment solutions. With our global headquarters in Pennsylvania, we are honored that the Commonwealth has selected Federated Hermes to manage its investment pools,” said J. Christopher Donahue, president and chief executive officer of Federated Hermes, Inc. “We look forward to continuing to enhance relationships that provide government investment pools with compelling, high-quality liquidity management services.” To learn more about INVEST PA, click here.
Mount Airy Casino Resort Named Best Casino Hotel For the third year in a row, industry experts and USA Today editors and readers bestow Pocono luxury destination top honors. Mount Airy Casino Resort, Pennsylvania’s first AAA Four-Diamond casino resort, has been voted “Best Casino Hotel” for the third consecutive year in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious recognition, announced today, highlights Mount Airy’s commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience, combining world-class gaming, luxury accommodations, and outstanding hospitality. Nominated by industry experts and voted on by USA Today editors and readers, the Best Casino Hotels list is made up of the leading properties that offer both top-notch gaming along with excellent amenities. Mount Airy’s award-winning dining, lavish rooms and suites, luxury spa, championship golf course, countless gaming options and first-class entertainment contributed to the prestigious award. The 2025 Top 10 Best Casino Hotels named by USA TODAY are: Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, California Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut Graton Resort & Casino, Rohnert Park, California Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City, N.J. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada Resorts Casino Hotel, Atlantic City Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City Fontainebleau, Las Vegas “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by USA Today and, most importantly, by our guests who voted for us,” said Lisa DeNaples, Mount Airy owner and managing trustee. “From our world-class gaming floor and exceptional dining to our luxurious accommodations and entertainment, we strive for excellence in every detail.” “This incredible achievement belongs to every single member of the Mount Airy team,” said Todd Greenberg, Mount Airy General Manager and COO. “It directly reflects the passion, professionalism, and dedication that our employees bring to work every day. Their commitment to delivering outstanding service, creating memorable experiences, and upholding our high standards is what truly sets us apart.” This latest award is added to an extensive list of honors Mount Airy has received so far this year, including 21 Best of Gaming awards from Casino Player Magazine, and another Four Diamond rating by AAA for the 14th consecutive year. In addition to almost 300 guestrooms and luxury suites, Mount Airy features a variety of signature restaurant options, including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen and the award-winning Bistecca by Il Mulino. From casual eateries to upscale dining, there’s something to suit every palate. This all-encompassing, adults-only getaway pampers guests even further at the Spa at Mount Airy, which provides a perfect retreat after a day – or night – filled with excitement. The resort also features a 20,000 square-foot convention center and ballroom for those seeking the perfect wedding venue or conference space, while the four-season pool complex offers private cabanas, a poolside bar and lounge, and an outdoor deck area with table-side firepits and expansive views of the resort’s award-winning, lakefront golf course. For those seeking the ultimate gaming experience, the heart of Mount Airy is its impressive casino floor. Boasting nearly 1,700 slot machines, including both classic and modern favorites, as well as a wide selection of table games, the casino also features a dedicated poker room and a multi-media sports betting lounge. For more information, click here.
WVIA Announces New Original Documentary Film, Making NEPA Home A Story of Resilience and Belonging Northeastern Pennsylvania will take center stage when WVIA premieres its newest original documentary film, Making NEPA Home. The documentary, produced, directed, and edited by WVIA’s Kara Washington, premieres Wednesday, October 16th at 7 p.m. on WVIA TV and will be streaming live on WVIA’s Facebook and YouTube pages and at WVIA.org. Making NEPA Home is part of WVIA’s We Stand Against Hate initiative, which shines a light on stories of resilience, unity, and cultural diversity. The film shares the journeys of four refugees and immigrants from diverse backgrounds who left their homelands in search of safety and new opportunities, ultimately settling in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through personal stories, cultural traditions, and moments of community connection, Making NEPA Home reveals the resilience and contributions of these neighbors as they help shape the region’s evolving identity. The journey builds toward an emotional finale at Scranton’s annual World Refugee Day celebration, honoring the universal search for safety, dignity, and a place to call home. Along the way, the film also highlights the critical role of local service providers and community organizations that make resettlement possible. Filmmaker Kara Washington shared, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to use WVIA’s platform to share voices and stories that often go unheard. Everyone I’ve spoken with, from refugees and immigrants to the local organizations supporting them, cares deeply about improving lives. That kind of compassion is inspiring, and it’s what makes our community such a special place to call home.” WVIA is proud to host a series of special public screenings ahead of the broadcast premiere of Making NEPA Home. These events will give our community the chance to preview a portion of the documentary, engage in a meaningful conversation with the filmmaker, and reflect on the powerful stories of refugees and immigrants in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Making NEPA Home is about more than survival, it’s about the courage to rebuild, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the strength of community,” said WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe. “We hope viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to welcome and be welcomed, not just in NEPA, but all over the world.” The official Making NEPA Home trailer can be viewed here and click here to find more details on upcoming screenings. Funding support for Making NEPA Home provided by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, and Scranton Area Community Foundation. Media Opportunities WVIA welcomes interview requests with filmmaker Kara Washington and members of the WVIA production team. To schedule please contact Holly Biondo, WVIA Marketing & Communications Manager at hollybiondo@wvia.org.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Expands Luzerne County Mortgage Team Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (PSBT) announced the addition of two experienced mortgage loan originators to its Luzerne County market. Rose Mahler has joined as Mortgage Loan Originator/Team Leader, and Ellen Leighton has joined as Vice President, Mortgage Loan Originator. “Adding Rose and Ellen to our Luzerne County mortgage team strengthens our ability to meet the growing home financing needs in the region,” said Jerry Champi, CEO. “Their experience and customer-first approach will help more people in our community achieve their homeownership goals.” Rose Mahler Mahler has more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She specializes in Conventional, FHA, VA, Rural Housing, and First-Time Homebuyer programs, while also leading and mentoring a team of loan originators to ensure compliance and customer satisfaction. Before joining PSBT, Mahler served as Mortgage Originator/Regional Sales Manager at Luzerne Bank and previously worked at Northwest Bank. She began her career at MGE Mortgage. Mahler earned a Bachelor of Science degree from King’s College and has been recognized with the PHFA Originator Award for her outstanding work in affordable housing lending. She has also been active in the community, previously serving on the YMCA Wilkes-Barre Community Board, graduating from Leadership Wilkes-Barre, and participating as a member of the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre. Ellen Leighton Leighton brings more than 40 years of experience in the mortgage industry. In her role as Vice President/Mortgage Loan Officer, she will provide financing solutions tailored to the needs of local clients and partner with area realtors to deliver programs that best fit each customer’s situation. Her focus is on helping individuals and families finance their dream homes. Prior to joining PSBT, Leighton held mortgage lending positions at Luzerne Bank and Landmark Community Bank and also served as a partner in a mortgage company. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her sales performance, customer service, and ability to build lasting relationships. In 2024, she earned the Top Producing Mortgage Originator Award from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) for her work in affordable housing lending. A graduate of Bishop Hannan High School and Lackawanna College, Leighton is also active in the community. She serves on the fundraising committee for Coffee Inclusive, an initiative that supports employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.
The Wright Center Launches Free Monthly Newsletter The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education is excited to announce the launch of The Wright Source, a brand-new, free monthly electronic newsletter. The Wright Source will keep patients and community partners informed, inspired, and connected to the health and wellness landscape of Northeast Pennsylvania. Each issue will be filled with valuable insights, local updates, and uplifting stories, including: Practical health and wellness tips you can use every day Community events and activities for all ages Delicious, healthy recipes to try at home Introductions to our newest clinicians and their specialties Updates on new service lines and programs And much more to help improve the health and well-being of our communities across Northeast Pennsylvania To subscribe to The Wright Source, visit bit.ly/WrightSource and enter your name and email address to get started.
The Wright Center for Community Health Earns First Accreditation The Wright Center for Community Health’s case management services recently earned a three-year accreditation from an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Following a site visit in August 2025, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International granted The Wright Center’s case management services accreditation through Aug. 31, 2028 – the highest level possible. Founded in 1966, CARF International’s mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process. “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of patients served,” according to CARF International’s accreditation letter to The Wright Center. “There is strong evidence that patients are benefiting from the services they receive from The Wright Center, as evidenced by their own words, reviews of individual records, and a variety of other reviews and reports.” The Wright Center sought accreditation through CARF International for its case management services at its Ryan White HIV Clinic and Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence, according to officials. Case management is a process in which clinicians assess patients and develop a team-based treatment plan tailored to each person’s specific needs. The patient is regularly monitored and assessed to make sure they are progressing as expected. CARF officials visited several of The Wright Center’s community health centers, including Clarks Summit, Mid Valley, North Scranton, and Scranton, to interview staff and patients, and review records. They also examined records from The Wright Center’s community health centers in Hawley, North Pocono, Tunkhannock, Wayne, and Wilkes-Barre. An accreditation report issued by CARF praised The Wright Center’s excellent technology planning and implementation, as well as its exceptional knowledge and use of a variety of data gathering, measurement, analysis, and reporting activities. They also noted The Wright Center’s deep focus on expanding services to meet community needs, as well as its commitment to whole-person primary health services for patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. “This accreditation shows that The Wright Center is providing the highest standard of evidence-based care,” said Louis Strazzeri, director of behavioral health integration, social, and case management services. “We are honored that CARF has validated what we have long understood – that our patients receive exceptional, team-based care that empowers them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.” Click here for information about The Wright Center’s case management services at its Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence Click here for information about its case management services at its Ryan White HIV Clinic
The Wright Center’s Brian Ebersole Recognized and Honored Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional official for The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, was recently selected for City & State Pennsylvania’s “Forty in their 40s” list. The list celebrates Pennsylvania’s most influential and accomplished leaders across nonprofits, government, business, and media, honoring their exceptional achievements, visionary leadership, advocacy, philanthropic contributions, and deep commitment to bettering lives and championing progress throughout the commonwealth. The multimedia news organization selected Ebersole in recognition of his visionary leadership in transforming health care workforce development through innovative, community-rooted graduate medical education models that are expanding opportunities, addressing physician shortages, and improving health equity across the nation. To read the list, go to cityandstatepa.com. “I’m grateful to City & State Pennsylvania for this recognition that reflects the collective efforts of so many of my mission-driven partners at The Wright Center who are working to reshape how we train physicians and serve communities,” said Ebersole. “At The Wright Center, we believe the future of health care starts in the neighborhoods that need it most, and I’m proud to help build that future alongside such dedicated colleagues, board members, learners, patients, and partners.” A visionary leader in graduate medical education, Ebersole played a pivotal role in designing and advancing The Wright Center’s innovative Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium. Through this model, he transformed residency training by placing physician learners in community health centers, rather than traditional hospital settings, to equip them with better practical, community-rooted experience while addressing physician shortages and improving retention in underserved areas. Ebersole also secured critical federal funding, forged strategic partnerships, and established a sustainable health care workforce pipeline that prioritizes community health over institutional convenience. In 2013, he further advanced The Wright Center’s mission “to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve” by launching its National Family Medicine Residency Program, which was the first nationally coordinated network of high-performing, patient-centered Federally Qualified Health Centers serving as unified training sites under a single, centrally managed program. Under his leadership, both initiatives have become scalable and replicable national models that redefine how and where America’s future physicians are trained. Ebersole has more than two decades of experience in health policy and innovation. Before his current position, he served as senior vice president of mission delivery and business development at The Wright Center, successfully securing federal, state, and local funding to support and expand a wide range of programs. He previously held public health leadership roles under four Pennsylvania governors and served as senior director of health innovations at Geisinger Health System, where he focused on initiatives addressing social needs across Northeast Pennsylvania. A founding member of the American Association of Teaching Health Centers, he rejoined the organization’s executive committee as treasurer in 2023. He also serves on The Institute’s Health and Health Care Task Force and is actively involved with several community-based nonprofits. A native of Duncannon, Pennsylvania, Ebersole earned a Bachelor of Arts in politics and education from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. He has a son, Keegan, and resides in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, with his husband, Jeff Smith. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health and The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Penn State Scranton Announces Staff Updates Penn State Scranton has announced several staff updates, including new titles and responsibilities across various departments. These changes reflect the University’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership and support structures to enhance its academic and administrative operations. Admissions Office Alex Ellsworth Alex Ellsworth has been named the regional associate director of enrollment management at Penn State Scranton. Ellsworth earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Scranton in 2015 and completed a master’s degree in higher education through Penn State World Campus in 2024. Previously serving as the interim director of enrollment management at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, he now takes on expanded responsibilities overseeing daily operations for the admissions departments at both the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses. In addition to his new role, Ellsworth will serve as a regional leader for the three northeast campuses further supporting recruitment and enrollment efforts across the region. Aaron Mattern Aaron Mattern has been appointed senior regional director of enrollment management for Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre. Mattern holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marywood University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Valley Forge. Previously serving as the director of enrollment management at Penn State Hazleton, Mattern now leads the regional enrollment management team across all three campuses. His responsibilities include overseeing admissions and financial aid efforts by implementing strategic recruitment and yield initiatives tailored to each campus while adopting a unified regional approach where appropriate. Alyssa Russel Alyssa Russel has been appointed student aid coordinator and VA school certifying official at the campus. In this role, she oversees student aid processes, serves on the Scholarship Committee and helps award institutional scholarships. Russel also provides counseling to students and families about financial aid options and assists with the FAFSA and awarding stages. Starting March 1, Russel’s title will change to VA Point of Contact, though her responsibilities are expected to remain the same. Bursar’s Office Tina Weidele Tina Weidele has been named regional financial officer for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. A graduate of Kutztown University with a degree in secondary mathematics and a minor in music, Weidele previously served as assistant financial officer at Penn State Lehigh Valley. In her new role, she oversees budgeting and financial operations to ensure alignment with University policies and regional planning initiatives. Center for Business Development and Community Outreach (CBDCO) Office Jo Ann Durdan Jo Ann Durdan has been appointed interim regional lead of Continuing Education for Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre. In this role, she is responsible for developing and overseeing continuing education programs, including workforce development, youth programs and budget forecasting. Durdan works closely with campus leadership to address the needs of the campuses and the surrounding community while providing project-based learning opportunities for students. Durdan holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication and a master of education from Penn State Development Office Desiree Voitek Desiree Voitek has been appointed senior director of campus development, northeast region. Previously serving as director of campus Development and Alumni Relations, Voitek will now oversee the development and alumni relations programs at the Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre campuses as well as manage the advancement program at Scranton. In her expanded role, she will focus on cultivating and strengthening relationships with alumni and donors to secure philanthropic gifts that support the campuses’ growth and initiatives. Voitek holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State and a master’s degree in health care administration from King’s College. Facilities Office Michael Chura Michael Chura has been promoted to regional facilities manager for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. With 40 years of experience at Penn State, Chura now oversees the maintenance, operations and strategic planning for over 200 acres and 27 buildings across the three campuses. His expanded role includes managing safety, emergency preparedness and collective bargaining for the facilities teams at each location. Information Technology Office Connor Haggerty Connor Haggerty has joined as the new IT support specialist in Penn State IT. Haggerty has three years of experience in help-desk operations from his time at both Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Scranton. In his previous role, he worked as a student worker at the help desk. In his new position, he will support both the Hazleton and Scranton campuses while also assisting Wilkes-Barre as needed.Haggerty is working towards completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Penn State Hazleton and is expected to graduate in the Spring of 2026. Rob Notari Rob Notari has been named interim IT leader for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. A 1999 graduate of Wilkes University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Notari previously served as a systems administrator at Penn State Scranton, focusing on the campus’ technical environment, security and updates. In his new role, Notari takes on expanded responsibilities overseeing IT operations across the three northeast campuses, transitioning from a primarily technical role to a more managerial position that emphasizes leadership and strategic direction. Office of Human Resources Aurora Brunovsky Aurora Brunovsky continues as a human resources consultant, expanding her portfolio to now support five campuses: Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Schuylkill and Lehigh Valley. With a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology from Penn State and a master’s degree in community counseling from the University of Scranton, Brunovsky brings over eight years of HR experience across multiple campuses to her role. She focuses on providing strategic HR support and fostering collaborative efforts across her assigned campuses. Maureen Carr Maureen Carr has been appointed HR consultant for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Schuylkill and Lehigh Valley campuses following an HR reorganization. Carr, who joined Penn State in 2010 and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Beaver College (now Arcadia University), brings years of experience from her work at Penn State Berks and other campuses. Her responsibilities include supporting staff and faculty with human resource needs across her expanded portfolio of campuses. Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Jonathan Kutka Jonathan Kutka has assumed a dual role as senior director of regional campus relations and director of strategic initiatives at Penn State. In these positions, he provides operational support for six campuses, including Scranton, and oversees strategic planning, administration, and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives for over 7,300 employees. A Penn State alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and an MBA from Alvernia University, Kutka has over 20 years of leadership experience and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the University and community. Student Leadership and Involvement Office Matthew Nied Matthew Nied, director of student services and engagement at Penn State Scranton was appointed interim northeast regional director of Athletics. In this expanded role, Nied will oversee and support athletic functions across the Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre campuses. Nied holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in communications from Alvernia University, earned in 2007, and a master’s degree in organizational and strategic leadership from Neumann University, completed in 2009. Previously, he served as assistant director of student services and engagement and began his career as assistant director of Unions, Programs and Student Activities. Carrie Orlofski Carrie Orlofski recently joined Penn State Scranton as the administrative assistant to Student Services and Engagement. Orlofski obtained an associate’s degree in general studies with a focus on accounting from Luzerne County Community College in 2019. Prior to this role, Orlofski worked at Penn State Wilkes-Barre as the administrative assistant for the TRIO Student Support Services program. There, she supported first-generation students, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities—helping to ensure they had the tools and resources needed to thrive academically. In her new role at Scranton, Orlofski will be assisting with student engagement initiatives, supporting career services, and health and wellness programs for students. Nikki Paolicelli Nikki Paolicelli has been named assistant director of student services and engagement and coordinator of student activities at Penn State Scranton. A 2019 Penn State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Paolicelli is also pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communications through Penn State World Campus. In her new role, she continues to assist students with campus transitions, advises the Student Government Association (SGA) and manages key events such as the Summer Leadership Training Week and various academic recognition celebrations. Paolicelli also coordinates campus-wide student activities, oversees clubs and organizations, serves as an adviser for THON and leads diversity, equity and inclusion programming to foster community engagement.
PennDOT, Shapiro Administration Expands Statewide Truck Parking Options Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association officials announced that the Commonwealth is adding 1,202 truck parking spaces in 133 locations by the end of 2026. In addition, the PA Turnpike is evaluating opportunities for more than 600 additional spaces across its system. This is the first statewide expansion of designated parking spaces other than through facility construction projects and will provide safe options for commercial drivers to meet federal hours-of-service rest requirements, helping to address a longstanding, nationwide challenge and improving driver safety. “Truck parking is a nationwide issue, and with the high volume of freight traffic coming through Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration knew that we needed to tackle this problem,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “As a commercial driver’s license-holder myself, I know how important this commonsense approach is to our economy and workforce. By adding these spots – and looking at ways to add even more – we’re giving truckers many more options to safely park and meet their rest requirements.” PennDOT’s designated truck parking spots will be established on Interstate on-ramps with no sight distance or safety concerns, weigh stations used for PSP motor carrier safety enforcement, and various other locations within highway right of way. PennDOT and PSP staff collaborated closely to identify sites that can be designated quickly and cost-effectively. Spots will be marked with truck-parking signage installed by PennDOT. “This initiative directly supports our mission to ensure motor carrier safety by reducing driver fatigue and improving the overall safety of our highways,” PSP Director Bureau of Patrol Major Robert Krol said. “Safe, designated parking is essential for commercial drivers, and this effort represents a significant step forward in protecting everyone who travels on Pennsylvania’s roads.” As part of its ongoing investment to the trucking community, the PA Turnpike is evaluating the feasibility of additional spaces at various locations throughout its system, including emergency pull-offs, interchange on-ramps and service plaza on-ramps. Over the last two decades, the PA Turnpike has added parking where it can, investing more than $30 million to expand truck parking at numerous service plazas, including Sideling Hill, Lawn, Highspire, North Somerset and Stanton service plazas. As it converts to Open Road Tolling (ORT), the PA Turnpike is reviewing the reconfiguration of interchanges can create opportunities to provide additional spaces for truck parking. “The trucking community is essential to our mission of supporting national commerce,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “We are dedicated to finding innovative solutions that address the increasing truck parking shortages along our system, and we take pride in collaborating with partners throughout the Commonwealth to enhance driver safety and improve logistics efficiency.” Due to its role supporting regional logistical operations, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is one of the few toll roads that held – and grew – its commercial volumes from pre-pandemic levels. Systemwide, commercial traffic is 15% higher than pre-pandemic levels. To complement the added spaces and to share available their locations, PennDOT today unveiled a new “Public Truck Parking” option on www.511PA.com and the 511PA smartphone application. The map displays existing truck parking options and both agencies’ newly designated locations will be added as the parking becomes available. Truck parking concerns have been well documented, including through a study by the Pennsylvania State Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) in 2023. This parking expansion addresses the study’s recommendation to “repurpose select state-owned surplus properties.” The action to expand parking builds on PennDOT’s work on other recommendations included in the TAC study. The department has established the Truck Parking Task Force, an ongoing collaboration with regional and municipal partners along high priority corridors identified in the study. Additionally, the department has engaged the trucking industry, municipalities, and planning partners to help promote and advance potential solutions at the local level. “Truck drivers are essential to keeping our economy moving, goods on our shelves, and food in our pantries — but they need safe places to stop and rest. With only one parking space for every 11 drivers on the road, too many truckers are forced to choose between breaking hours-of-service laws or stopping in unsafe locations. Every new space added to our highway network means one more trucker who has a safe and secure place to stop tonight. PMTA thanks PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission for their commitment to tackling this problem to help truck drivers and keep our roads safer for everyone,” PMTA President & CEO Rebecca Oyler said. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts. Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available online. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects.
PennDOT, Shapiro Administration Opening Commonwealth’s 20th EV Charging Station Pennsylvania has opened its 20th NEVI site for Pennsylvania travelers, leading the nation in stations built through the program. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the opening of the state’s 20th federally-funded Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, putting Pennsylvania in the lead nationally for the number of stations built using funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and representing a total federal investment of approximately $11.5 million. The new station is located atSheetz in Pittsburgh on Freeport Road along Interstate 76 (Exit 48). Since the first NEVI-funded station opened in PA, the charging stations have delivered more than 30,000 charging sessions, powering over 3.5 million estimated miles driven and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 1.7 million pounds (or 750 metric tons). Additionally, PennDOT announced that it is the first state to receive a Full Build-Out Certification under the new federal NEVI guidance issued in August. The build-out certification allows a state to move beyond the initial phase of the NEVI program that focused on building charging stations on the core network of interstate highways, enabling PennDOT to begin the next stage of the NEVI program — Corridor Connections — which will be released on or before October 7, 2025. “Thanks to our team’s diligent work in 2023 and 2024, and Governor Shapiro’s persistent efforts to secure Congressionally appropriated funding, we’re in a position to continue making EVs more accessible for PA travelers,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “That quick action ensured Pennsylvania could adapt to national program changes while locking in investments for Pennsylvania.” Per NEVI guidance issued August 11, PennDOT submitted an updated Pennsylvania NEVI State Plan and a second request for Full Build-Out Certification to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on August 27, 2025. The next phase will begin projects that connect communities. The NEVI State Plan was approved on September 5, 2025, and PennDOT received Full Build-Out Certification on September 22, 2025. Having received approval, the Shapiro Administration is moving forward with the community phase of the NEVI program, beginning with the Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity The Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity focuses on implementing EV charging stations along major roadways to strengthen long-distance travel outside of previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. These locations are expected to serve the communities and regions near the charging station locations. Projects funded from the Corridor Connections program will improve range confidence for drivers who are considering travel with an EV across and throughout the Commonwealth. PennDOT anticipates soliciting about 24 projects through the Corridor Connections Funding Opportunity, with up to $20 million in available funding. The Funding Opportunity is expected to include more than 1,000 miles of roadway. The submission period will close on January 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. Full program details will be available on the Corridor Connections webpage on October 6, 2025. National data on the status of the NEVI program by state is available at https://evstates.org/awards-dashboard/. Information about state infrastructure in Pennsylvania, including completed work and significant projects, is available online. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects.
