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State Rep. Gabler speaks at Highland meeting |
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Written by Publisher
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Thursday, 09 April 2009 |
Photo by Ted Lutz
State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Elk/Clearfield) speaks Wednesday at the monthly meeting of the Highland Township Board of Supervisors at the township building in James City. He discussed several issues, including oil and gas development and timbering on the Allegheny National Forest.
By Ted Lutz
Republican Staff
JAMES CITY -- State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Elk/Clearfield) defended drilling and timber harvests in the Allegheny National Forest during remarks Wednesday at a meeting of the Highland Township Board of Supervisors.
Gabler emphasized that the 513,000-acre national forest always has been a "multi-use" forest and is "not a conservation preserve." He said the drilling for oil and gas in the forest and logging "always" have been a "responsible" part of the activities in the national forest. He said some critics of drilling and timber harvests "don't really understand" the multi-use designation for the forest.
Gabler said drilling and logging play major roles in the "economic activity" in the area, including Highland Township.
Gabler pointed out that he and other state legislators who represent communities in the national forest went on record earlier this month against adding more wilderness space in the forest.
He said the legislators "see absolutely no need" to expand wilderness areas in forest and "put our people out of work" with restrictions on drilling and logging.
"We know how to manage the forest," Gabler said. He said the forest is the "lifeblood" for the area economy.
Gabler reiterated his stance against placing toll booths on Interstate 80. He said tolls could increase the shipping costs for goods flowing both in and out of Elk County.
The freshman state legislator pledged to listen to concerns from the Highland Township supervisors and township residents.
"You're on my radar," he said.
In other business at the 45-minute meeting, the supervisors:
•Announced that contracts have been awarded to the low-bidders for hauling road materials to the township. The contracts are going to Mike Beaver Trucking of Johnsonburg and Bucktail Excavators of St. Marys.
•Agreed to try again to seek bids for repairs at the bridge on Pig's Ear Road over the East Branch of Spring Creek. Bids have been sought in the past, but no bids have been received.
•Announced that the annual "spring cleanup" will be held April 29 and April 30 and May 1 and May 2. Dumpsters will be placed in James City, Russell City and Highland. Only township property owners can place items in the dumpsters. Items not permitted include refrigerators, tires and batteries.
•Agreed to advertise an ordinance that give the Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department the authority to contract with a third party to recover certain costs associated responses to fires and traffic accidents.
•Agreed with plans by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue a mining permit to Dyne Excavating of Kane to remove stone at a five-acre site near the Trussel Road. The property is owned by the Maljovec Limited Partnership of Kane, according to the DEP notice.
•Appointed Eugene Brown of James City to a fill a seat on the Highland Township Water and Sewer Authority. He replaces the late James "Prof" Hulings of James City.
•Discussed the possibility of receiving a portion of the federal stimulus money. The supervisors plan to contact the Elk County Planning Department for information.
•Agreed to meet Friday to inspect township roads.
•Agreed to renew a certificate of deposit for $129,566 with the Farmers National Bank in Ridgway.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 30 July 2009 )
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