Published: November 20, 2006 11:48 pm      

Officials aim to prevent ATV strain

PATTON — As the Rock Run Recreational Area nears its spring opening date, state officials are raising concerns about whether the dozen nearby communities are prepared to handle thousands of visitors looking for food and a place to sleep.

Two years of planning and an estimated $5.1 million in state money has been invested in the Cambria County recreation destination.

And officials of the state Department of Community and Economic Development are spending time with local leaders telling them what to expect and listening to concerns.

Jackie Parker, director of the team, and other state officials met last week with local leaders, touring Patton, Carrolltown, Northern Cambria, Hastings and surrounding townships.

They hope to prevent problems before Rock Run opens to the public.

“The communities have to determine their (own) destiny,” Parker said.

Additional strains are expected on police, ambulance and fire services.

Work has been completed on 48 of the first 50 miles of trails. The access road off St. Lawrence Road and the parking lot are done.

Construction has started on the headquarters building, said Fred Querry of the Southern Alle-ghenies Planning and Development Commission, which is administering state funding.

“One of the first issues is signage,” Querry said.

“And there will be pickup trucks with trailers. Do the communities have places they can park? These are minor things that have suddenly become big issues.”

Patton Mayor Stephen Bakajza said that, while Rock Run will increase traffic, his borough already deals with hordes of campers and boats.

“We already have this with Prince Gallitzin State Park,” he said.