Next Tuesday there is a Metropolitan Planning meeting to discuss which of three transportation upgrades will get the local politicians approval. Currently, PennDot doesn't have enough money to expand all three roadways, which are 219 North, a 56 West bypass, and an expansion of 56 East towards Bedford.

Johnstown's Mayor Don Zucco is highly motivated to fix up the crowdedness and turns of 56 West in the West End.

Although out of the area, Cambria County Commissioner Bill Harris feels that 56 East over the mountains should be widened to four lanes. He says that a PennDot study says that Cambria County would see a substantial economic growth from that expansion.

Mayor Zucco says that if his plan doesn't get everyone's approval, he will sue the state to get the 56 West bypass.

It's a reasonable course of action. It's probably the only way I think if I can't get the priority out of the MPO, the only way I can get the credibility I need to argue that that area needs to be improved, says the Mayor.

We shouldn't be put in a position where we have to just pick one project. That's not fair to our region, says Commissioner Harris.

Joe Kinley from Gallikers Dairy wants to see 56 East expanded for the companys trucks, I really think by limiting truck traffic to 403 for example could alleviate some of the Rt. 56 congestion and concerns for the neighbors in that area.

Today, a federal transportation bill allocated 4 million dollars to Rt. 56 in Johnstowns West End for improvements. The city will get this money even if the 56 bypass isnt instituted.

Tuesday's meeting will only seek a consensus from the county and city. They will then have to go to PennDot to see if they will take up the project.

Rich Klindworth, Channel 6 News.