tomrue 19 December 2024

To the Editor:

The New York–Pennsylvania Joint Interstate Bridge Commission agreement, established in 1919, mandates equal responsibility between Pennsylvania and New York for decisions involving the maintenance, repair, and replacement of bridges spanning the Upper Delaware River. This compact requires cooperative decision-making for all significant actions, including demolition, ensuring that neither state acts unilaterally without mutual consent and commission approval.

In light of this longstanding and binding covenant, Pennsylvania’s recent actions regarding the Skinners Falls Bridge raise serious concerns. Since its abrupt closure by PennDOT in 2019, the bridge has been left to rot without adequate maintenance or repair. Now, with PennDOT proposing to demolish the bridge using explosive charges, backed by Governor Shapiro, questions arise about whether the required collaborative process has been followed. Any decision to demolish or replace this bridge must consider public need, traffic flow, and environmental impact. It must also reflect the agreement of both states under the compact. Of course, the safety of the traveling public on land and on the water is paramount. But an adequate replacement must be put in place.

Over the past six years, PennDOT has held public hearings, meetings, and consultations with stakeholders, including the traveling public and local businesses. These discussions consistently emphasized the vital role of the Skinners Falls Bridge in supporting interstate commerce and connecting communities, in addition to emphasizing the bridge's historic significance and beauty. Its closure has already disrupted these connections. The proposed demolition will only deepen this divide.

Pennsylvania's failure to properly care for the Skinners Falls Bridge, compounded by the recently announced demolition scheme, disregards the needs and wishes of residents in Wayne and Sullivan counties and undermines the cooperative spirit of the interstate compact. Governor Shapiro and PennDOT must prioritize collaboration with New York to develop a plan that both ensures public safety and respects both states' obligations to maintain these critical links between our communities.

Respectfully,
Tom Rue, LMHC, LPC
Narrowsburg, NY
tomrue.net

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