We, the undersigned, call upon the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and all relevant state and federal authorities to halt the proposed Gray Cut project, which seeks to carve a massive 1,000-foot-wide gash through the Allegheny Mountain in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. This destructive plan would irreparably harm the environment, endanger our local communities, local wildlife, and permanently scar the natural beauty of our beloved mountain landscape.
Why We Oppose the Gray Cut:
1. Environmental Devastation: The proposed Gray Cut would destroy critical wildlife habitats, disrupt migration patterns, and endanger species that rely on the unspoiled wilderness of the Allegheny Mountain. The natural springs and deep wells that provide clean water to nearby communities and are at risk of being polluted or permanently altered by the construction. The Gray Cut project will lead to the removal of forest stand and the displacement of massive amounts of soil and sediment that can never be reestablished or replaced. This irreversible destruction will not only harm local wildlife but will also reduce recreational opportunities and threaten traditions such as hunting and fishing opportunities, which are vital to the region’s outdoor lifestyle.
2. Threat to the Stonycreek River Watershed: Significant resources, including millions of dollars, have been invested in restoring the Stonycreek River watershed over the past decades, as documented in the Stonycreek River Watershed Reassessment by the Somerset County Conservation District (May 2008). The Gray Cut project jeopardizes these efforts, the current stakeholders involved, and various collaborative conservation and preservation projects. Beyond the Stonycreek River, other neighboring watersheds, including the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River and the Indian Lake Watersheds, are also at risk due to the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel's unique location at a triple watershed divide.
3. Permanent Scarring of a Natural Treasure: The Allegheny Mountain is more than just a physical barrier; it is a symbol of our region’s natural heritage and beauty. The proposed Gray Cut would leave a permanent scar on the landscape, turning a scenic and serene environment into a man-made eyesore.
4. Disruption of Local Communities: The noise, dust, and heavy machinery involved in this large-scale construction project would disrupt the lives of local residents and visitors who cherish the peace and quiet of the mountain. The project could also drive away the wildlife that is integral to the outdoor lifestyle enjoyed by many in the area. The project will disrupt local communities by affecting the water supply for residents who rely on wells and natural springs. The potential contamination of these water sources poses serious health risks, particularly for those who rely on them for daily use. The Berlin Borough's water supply is at grave risk, creating widespread concern among residents about the long-term sustainability of their water resources.
5. Questionable Necessity: Alternatives to the Gray Cut, such as rehabilitating the existing tunnels or creating additional tunnel tubes, have been proposed but not fully explored. These options would maintain traffic flow without the environmental destruction that the Gray Cut entails.
6. Lack of Public Engagement: For over 30 years, the PTC has studied options for the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel with minimal input from the local community. We demand a transparent and inclusive decision-making process that genuinely considers the voices and concerns of those who will be most affected by this project.
Our Demand: We demand that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission immediately halt the Gray Cut project and prioritize alternatives that protect the environment, preserve the natural beauty of Allegheny Mountain, and respect the well-being of the local communities.
Supported by Citizens to Save the Allegheny Mountain
