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In Lebanon County, people start New Year with a plunge for disabilities

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One New Year's Day, tradition filled one park in Lebanon County.

The 23rd annual Polar Bear Plunge took place at Willow Springs Park in Jackson Township.

The annual event raises money for the Developmental and Disability Services of Lebanon Valley Foundation.

For one teen, the plunge has become a tradition.

"Since first grade, he's always wanted to do it now he's in eighth grade so it's for a good cause he raises for DDS, so," explained Michele Fisher, whose son braved the chilly weather to take the plunge.

More than 500 people participated in the Polar Bear Plunge.

The event has raised more than $14,000, but organizers tell CBS 21 that they are close to hitting the $15,000 goal.

They will do so from pledges that are still coming in after the event.



Residents with PPL Electric can expect to see a higher bill this year

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Residents using PPL Electric Utilities can expect to see a higher monthly bill.

Starting with the first of the year, a three percent increase for the average customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month goes into effect.

Meanwhile, the total monthly bill for small businesses will go up one percent.

PPL says the new rates will add about $70 million in additional annual revenue.

They also say the increase reflects higher operating and maintenance costs, including recovery costs from recent storms like Hurricane Sandy.

Teen raises thousands for Humane Society, takes Penguin Plunge

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In Harrisburg, people lined up to take the plunge and help homeless animals.

The 16th annual Penguin Plunge took place New Year’s Day on City Island.

More than two hundred participants braved the freezing water to help raise money for the Humane Society of Harrisburg.

One teenager there is a four year veteran to the event, willing to go above and beyond to help the Humane Society.

"I'm not old enough to volunteer at the Humane Society so it’s a good way for me to help out, and its fun too,” laughed Devon Rodriguez-Cayro.

Devon raised just under $5,000 for this year's Penguin Plunge through baking, corporate sponsorships and family and friends.

Local representatives eager to get to work, work for those who elected them

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More than 30 new members of the House and Senate were sworn in Tuesday at the State Capitol.

Both the House and Senate remains Republican heavy. The new members all say they are ready to get right to work, tackling things like job creation, pension problems and working together.

Amid the pomp and circumstance of more than 30 new members of the House and PA Senate being sworn in was also excitement.

“It's tremendous, exciting, what a privilege to be able to serve people in my district, I'm just tickled,” stated Representative Keith Griener

“A little overwhelming, I’m quite humbled I've been in the Capitol many, many times but as a State Representative it's different,” Griener told us.

Representative Keith Greiner of Lancaster County says he hopes to use his professional background to tackle problems...

“There are challenges ahead, looming fiscal deadline to deal with, but I'm a CPA and I think I bring a perspective to that,” Griener added.

He's anxious to get to work.

Representative Mindy Fee is also new to the House and also from Lancaster County.

She wants to fight for small businesses and small government, all with an open door.

“I want people to understand I'm there to represent them, come in to my office and bring voices up to Harrisburg,” Fee told us.

Hundreds turn out for a New Year's Day tradition: Pork and sauerkraut!

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It's older than turkey at Thanksgiving, hot dogs at the ballpark. It's the tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut on the first day of the New Year.

Our own Kirk Wilson has never been a fan of sauerkraut. But give him pork, mashed potatoes with peas mixed in and a little sauerkraut juice over it all, and he will happily look for the good luck it promises.

"There's an old Pennsylvania Dutch saying that if you eat pork and sauerkraut at the beginning of the year, you'll have good luck," explained Doug Bonsall, Treasurer at the Perry Valley Grange.

We aren’t sure if it was the hope for a prosperous 2013 or for a good meal on the first day of the New Year, but the Grange hall doors opened at 11 and the dining room was quickly filled with hungry people.

"it's all good,” smiled Phyllis Lebo, who made her way to the Grange from Mechanicsburg. “I tried everything and it's very good."

Natalie Reitz was coordinating workers in the kitchen. Grange volunteers made the sauerkraut.

Freshly peeled potatoes were mashed to a smooth consistency. The pork went in the oven New Year’s Eve for a slow roast.

"We pickled our own beets. We did those by the quart,” Natalie explained. “We did 100 quarts of pickled beets this summer. We made our own chow chow. Everything here is something we have made ourselves."

Did she mention dessert, which included homemade cakes, pies and cookies?

Sally Scruggs and her husband traveled from Jessup, Maryland to New Bloomfield for Monday night's drop of boxed huckleberry and heard about the dinner.

"The dining experience was exquisite, pork, fresh mashed potatoes," Scruggs told us. “Probably haven't had fresh mashed potatoes in 15 years or homemade, we get the ones out of the box."

So why pork and sauerkraut? Sauerkraut is technically cabbage, which is said to be lucky.

As for the pork, a pig cannot look backward without turning around so it's a positive thing to look forward to the future.

Local babies bring special joy to their parents as first babies of the New Year

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There are many things we celebrate for the start of a New Year, including new life.

CBS 21 went to see the New Year’s babies.

Of course, the tradition to start the New Year is to drop things, there are more drops of everything from pickles to strawberries to wrenches in PA than in any other state.

We eat pork and sauerkraut and of course we have New Year's Babies.

There is something special about being first and born with fireworks in the air, that is what happened with Jacob Campbell, who came into the world Tuesday morning at 12:08 am at Pinnacle Health's Harrisburg Hospital.

“He may have heard them and figured he'd come in with a bang,” laughed his mother, Laura Campbell.

“Happy and healthy and that is all we want,” commented the proud parents, who added, “no we will definitely not forget his birthday.”

Meanwhile at Penn State Hershey Medical Center their first baby came exactly at midnight. The parents are Alan and Maria Smajic of Harrisburg, and their daughter is Jasmina.

Maria Smajic was watching the ball drop as the baby dropped and of course our congratulations to all the new parents.

So far there have been four other New Year’s babies at Harrisburg Hospital.

As for some other local hospitals and their first babies, Chambersburg Hospital's first baby of the year was a boy born at 12:25 a.m.

Waynesboro Hospital’s first of the year was a baby girl, Laurel Corinne Horst, at 5:24 a.m. Her parents are Darwin and Jessica Horst of Chambersburg.

Holy Spirit's first baby of the New Year was Aubrey Welch, who was born at 7:42 a.m. to Kathleen and Zach Welch of Lemoyne.

The first baby of 2013 born at Lancaster General Health’s Women & Babies Hospital came at 1:17 am. The girl is the daughter of Chantal and Louis Kabamba of Mount Joy.

And if you or someone you know had a New Year's baby, please share it with us on Facebook!

Animals start to arrive in preparation for the start of the Farm Show

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The animals came marching in Tuesday in Harrisburg ahead of this year's Farm Show.

The livestock are part of an exhibit called ‘Today's Agriculture’ with the help of PennAg Industries.

It will give visitors a chance to see how livestock is raised in Pennsylvania.

The farm show opens this Saturday. For a list of events, click Find It.

UPDATE: Many in shock over fire that destroys local bar, apartments

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UPDATE:

In Dauphin County, fire officials are investigating the cause of a massive fire that burned through a tavern and the apartments above it.

Flames broke out shortly before three Tuesday morning at the corner of East Main and Race Streets in Middletown.

Demp's Corner Pub and several apartments above the bar are badly burned.

The Fire Marshal says six people were displaced by the blaze and residents are still in shock over the loss.

“I came home and I saw the entire top engulfed in flames,” explained tenant Jeremy O’Connor. “Everything I have is now gone. This is very devastating. But everyone made it out ok so I’m happy about that.”

We're told one resident was treated on scene for minor injuries. Fire officials believe salvaging the building is unlikely.

The cause of fire is still under investigation.

The American Red Cross is assisting seven families who were displaced by the fire.
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CBS 21 is following breaking news out of Dauphin County where crews are on the scene of a massive fire that burned through a tavern and apartments.

Flames broke out shortly before three this morning in the 200 block of East Main Street, close to Race Street, in Middletown.

Demp's Corner Pub and several apartments above the bar are badly burned.

The fire has been marked under control.

We're told one resident was treated for minor injuries on scene.

Our crew on scene talked to a man who lives in an apartment above Demp's Corner Pub.

Jeremy O'Connor tells us he came home and saw flames shooting from the roof and a window, then he watched as the roof collapsed. 

O'Connor believes "nothing inside the building will be salvageable."

The Fire Marshal is investigating a cause.

Fire officials have the 200 and 300 blocks of East Main Street and Race Street closed at this time.

Check back with CBS 21 News for updates on this breaking news.

Regardless of fiscal cliff, everyone will pay more taxes next year

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The New Year brings new challenges to middle class families.

With or without a fiscal cliff resolution from the House, most Americans will still see a tax increase.

Regardless of whether or not the fiscal cliff resolution becomes law, a jump in payroll taxes in addition to other tax increases makes for the largest tax increase this country has seen in about 50 years.

Starting today your paycheck is likely taking a hit.

Lancaster-based financial expert Rick Rodgers has the details on what the start of 2013 means for tax-payers.

"If we look at the median household income in PA of $51,000, and so for the median working family, if everything is allowed to expire, it's going to be a tax increase of about $2,500."

Allowed to expire was a payroll tax cut enacted in 2011 to boost economic growth. In the fiscal cliff deal negotiated at the last minute Monday night, the payroll tax was left out.

"If they pass the version the Senate had passed last night, if that becomes law, then you're still going to see a $1,200 increase, which is the payroll tax cut," Rodgers concluded.

Which means the average family will have to try and save about $100 a month.

UPDATE: State of Pennsylvania to file lawsuit against the NCAA over PSU sanctions

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UPDATE:

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett says he plans to sue the NCAA in federal court over sanctions imposed against Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal.

The Republican governor has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday in State College to announce the filing in U.S. District Court in Harrisburg.

The sanctions were agreed to by the university in July. They included a $60 million fine that would be used nationally to finance child abuse prevention grants. State and federal lawmakers have raised objections to the money being spent outside Pennsylvania.

A message seeking comment on the expected lawsuit was left with the NCAA on Tuesday.
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A press conference is expected this week where Governor Corbett will announce a lawsuit against the NCAA.

The lawsuit will be filed regarding the sanctions against Penn State University.

According to reports from Sports Illustrated, Penn State will have no role in the lawsuit.


UPDATE: Four seriously hurt in crash on Route 30

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Four people, including a child, are being treated for serious injuries after a morning crash on Route 30 near Belmont Road in Paradise Township, Lancaster County.

Police tell CBS 21 the driver of a Mitsubishi Galant was stopped at a red light when he was rear ended by a Toyota Corolla. Witnesses told police earlier they saw the Corolla speeding and passing cars in a No-Passing Zone.

After impact police say both cars spun out of control into the middle of the intersection. A third car, crossing the road was hit by one of the cars. Two adults and an 11-year-old in the Mitsubishi were seriously hurt. The child had to be cut out of the car and was flown to Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The driver who caused the crash was also taken to the hospital with major injuries.

Police continue to investigate the crash. Any witnesses are asked to call State Police in Lancaster.

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An accident at Route 30 and Belmont Road has closed the highway in both directions.  State police in Lancaster and the Paradise Fire Company are on the scene.  There is no word yet of when Route 30 will be re-opened.

Colder weather ahead, but calmer weather too

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After a very active end of 2012 weather wise, 2013 started off a bit on the mild side, but with a lot of clouds around the area.

Those clouds are associated with a cold front that is set to move through the area Tuesday evening. Behind that will be the coldest air of not only the year, but also the entire winter.

Highs for the next several days will hover right around the freezing mark, which is a few degrees below normal. Lows will be around 20 degrees, with a few nights even dropping down into the teens.

However, despite the cool temperatures the weather pattern has turned quiet for our area, with no snow or rain in the forecast for at least the next week.

This means that Farm Show Week will be quiet weather wise, with temperatures even warming to above average for the beginning of the week next week.

Horse owner could face charges after numerous horses found in poor condition

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A Dauphin County horse owner could be facing charges, accused of not taking care of more than two dozen horses on a Dauphin County farm.

Five horses were found dead on the property Friday, and the Humane Society seized five others in the worst condition.

Officials say they could be going back the farm on Laudermilch Road in East Hanover Township for the rest at some point soon.

“We're hoping to work with this person in respect to the remaining horses on the property, but there are also some issues with sanitation, manure, food and water access for all the horses that are left on the property,” explained Amy Kaunas, Executive Director of the Harrisburg Area Humane Society.

The Harrisburg Area Humane Society seized five horses late last month after the owner failed to respond to warnings to get veterinary care for the animals.

The executive director, Amy Kaunas, tells us 24 horses remain on the property and are not well, but those they seized are in even worse condition.

“Many of the horses are pregnant, we have one mare and one fowl so those horses are really special needs and will require extra care,” Kaunas told us.

CBS 21 went to the farm to try and talk to the owner, but no one was there. We did see one horse roaming the grounds.

Saving those horses that remain could cost the Humane Society hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Kaunas says winter is usually the worst times of the year for horses that are not properly cared for.

:There isn’t any grass so you have to get hay, hay prices are constantly skyrocketing and sometimes they need grain to keep that body weight on so at this time you can see horses go down hill really quickly,” Kaunas warned.

If you would like to make a donation to the Humane Society you can do so by mail or on the organization's website, which is attached to this story.

Man flees home after domestic dispute, commits suicide during traffic stop

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On Saturday evening just after 910 p.m., South Londonderry Township Police responded to a home on Horseshoe Pike in Campbelltown for a domestic dispute.

When they arrived, they learned that John Devert Jr., 30, had left the home after threatening to harm himself.

While officers were on the lookout for his vehicle, it was spotted turning onto Horseshoe Pike from South Forge Road.

Officers from several municipalities conducted a traffic stop of Devert’s vehicle. As officers approached the car, Devert shot and killed himself. No shots were fired by police.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lebanon County Coroner.

Sinkhole issues raise questions about the safety of streets in the Capital City

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The coldest weather of the winter is on the way and now some residents of one Harrisburg block are forced out of there homes because they don't have water, gas or sewer service because of sinkholes.

The Red Cross has set up a shelter, but so far not many residents are taking advantage of it.

It is a lousy way to start the New Year, after finding a letter from Robert Philbin, the Mayor's Director of Communications, in your mailbox advising that you evacuate your home.

“I'm staying here, I pay rent here I'm staying here,” Byron Chisholl told us.

Tuesday night, there is a Red Cross shelter set up almost within the shadow of the Capitol, but many on Fourth Street are not ready to leave their homes.

“I'm not going to the church with a bunch of different people that I don't know, I don't play that,” Chisholl continued.

Many Harrisburg residents living in the very area remember the nightmare of being evacuated back in the flood of 2011, now that nightmare is real again for those who live in the 2100 block of North Fourth Street.

The reason is not the weather, but the infrastructure and an enormous sink hole.

“No heat, no water, where is Linda Thompson at,” questioned Kim Harmon. “Isn't she supposed to be involved in the city actions or something.”

A cascade of events caused this problem, apparently over the weekend a snow plow slightly moved a metal plate covering the street causing a 6 ton trash truck to fall into the first hole Monday morning. This in turned caused the second, much larger hole that opened up Monday night cutting off the utility service.

“We've got blankets,” is what a few kids told us when we asked if they have heat.

This is not a mandatory evacuation and clearly many are determined to stay in their homes.

But if the cold and inconvenience becomes too much, the Red Cross is ready and waiting to help with a shelter at the Pine Street Presbyterian Church.

“We have cots set up just so the folks have a place to come,” American Red Cross volunteer Eric Gettler told us.

The UGI crew on the scene told us that they hope to have the gas back on by midnight, but then would still need to stay to backfill the trenches. There is no word on how long it will take to get water and sewer service returned to the street.

Not many are taking advance of the Red Cross Shelter, at last check four people were there seeking shelter, but there have been calls from others who may be on the way.

We reached out Tuesday night in several different ways to the Mayor's Director of communications and he has not gotten back us.

As big as these sink holes are, for the main one it is almost like a cavern under the asphalt, there is nothing supporting the street for many feet under the asphalt from where the cave-in ends, which tells us this is a problem that has been a long time in the making.

It also makes you wonder just how safe are the streets in Harrisburg.


JUST IN: House passes tax deal, United States avoids fiscal cliff

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Information provided by CBSNews:

Congress has started its climb back up the "fiscal cliff."

After House Republicans finally relented to the Senate's "far from perfect" plan (as many members put it), the House Tuesday night passed the bill 257-167 with GOP and Democratic support.

The bill received 85 Republican votes, after GOP lawmakers huddled for hours Tuesday, wringing their hands over the lack of spending cuts in the bill. House leaders considered holding a vote on an amendment to add a $323 billion package of spending cuts, but the Democratic-led Senate said it wouldn't accept an amended bill. Democrats, while also expressing concerns about the deal, largely supported the measure with just 16 voting against it.

The deal came together after marathon talks between Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., over the weekend. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 89-8 in the early morning hours of the new year.

It's official: Deal reached on "fiscal cliff"
The art of the "fiscal cliff" deal

The deal protects most Americans from an income tax hike and extends long-term unemployment insurance, among other things. The details of the bill are as follows:

Tax rates: Current tax rates will be extended for all wage earners making below $400,000 and couples making below $450,000.

This was a key concession for both Republicans and Democrats. Democrats wanted the threshold for tax increases to rest at $250,000 and Republicans didn't want marginal tax rates to increase for anyone.

The estate tax: It was set to increase from rom 35 percent to 55 percent in 2013. Instead, the compromise sets the new rate at 40 percent with the first $5 million worth of property exempt from being taxed.

Capital gains tax: Capital gains and dividend tax rates will increase from 15 to 20 percent.

Alternative Minimum Tax: A permanent fix to the tax that would hit middle class families

"Doc Fix": Doctors will be shielded from a massive reimbursement gap for treating Medicare patients.

Unemployment benefits: Unemployed workers will receive their benefits which expired over the weekend.

Renewable energy tax credit: The tax credit for renewable energy companies will be extended for another year.

"Milk cliff" avoided: Subsidies for milk are extended, averting looming price hikes.

Congressional pay freeze: a scheduled salary bump for members of Congress is halted.

NCAA responds to lawsuit filed by Governor Corbett, says it is an 'affront to victims'

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The NCAA responded to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett’s announcement that he is planning to sue the Association for its handling of the Penn State sanctions.

The following is a statement from Donald M. Remy, NCAA Executive Vice President and General Counsel:

“We are disappointed by the Governor's action today. Not only does this forthcoming lawsuit appear to be without merit, it is an affront to all of the victims in this tragedy - lives that were destroyed by the criminal actions of Jerry Sandusky. While the innocence that was stolen can never be restored, Penn State has accepted the consequences for its role and the role of its employees and is moving forward. Today's announcement by the Governor is a setback to the University's efforts.”



Penn State University has no role in lawsuit filed by Governor

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Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett announced the filing of a federal lawsuit by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania against the NCAA over its sanctions against Penn State in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.

Penn State is not a party to the lawsuit and has not been involved in its preparation or filing.

University officials said, "The University is committed to full compliance with the Consent Decree, the Athletics Integrity Agreement and, as appropriate, the implementation of the Freeh report recommendations."

"We look forward to continuing to work with Sen. George Mitchell as the athletic integrity monitor for complete fulfillment of the Athletics Integrity Agreement. We recognize the important role that intercollegiate athletics provides for our student athletes and the wider University community. Penn State continues to move forward with an unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in all aspects of our University and continues to be a world-class educational institution of which our students, faculty, staff and alumni can be justifiably proud."

Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship pleased by Governor Corbett's action

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Information provided by Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship:

"Governor Corbett's lawsuit in defense of Penn State and his challenge to the Freeh Report is an action that the University President and Board of Trustees should have immediately taken in July 2012. We are pleased to see that Governor Corbett finally agrees with Penn Staters for Responsible Stewardship, the majority of the Penn State community, and the growing public at large that the NCAA exceeded its authority when it imposed these unprecedented sanctions. Further, we view Governor Corbett’s legal action as a direct challenge to the Freeh Report, as it has been widely reported that the NCAA sanctions were based solely on the unfounded conclusions of that document. As PS4RS' review of the Freeh Report revealed, that document was irreparably flawed, wholly incomplete, and should never have been the basis of any findings or conclusions.

"However, we remain troubled why Governor Corbett, a Penn State Trustee himself, failed to ask questions and critically review the implications of the sanctions when they were originally presented. If he disapproved of the terms of the NCAA Consent Decree, or if he thought there was something illegal about them, why didn't he exercise his duty to act long before now? There have been too many members of the extended Penn State community who have been unnecessarily and irreparably harmed by the inaction of the Trustees, and Governor Corbett shares in that blame. It is past time that the Penn State Trustees, the University President and the NCAA be held accountable for their gross failure of leadership and irresponsible conduct."


More than 139 million miles taken off the road through using commuter services

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Commuter Services of Pennsylvania released the results of their recently completed seventh annual member database survey. The purpose of the survey was to gauge the popularity of commuting options, compare current usage habits to prior years and to calculate miles taken off the highway within the nine county region. The study reported the percentage of respondents using alternative forms of transportation (other than driving alone) has increased in comparison to prior years. These results have been driven by a significant increase in bus/transit usage in the past year, whereas carpooling and vanpooling has remained at a consistent level over the last few years.

The Commuter Services database had more than 18,800 members at the time the survey was conducted, which was an increase of more than 4,200 from 2011. Here are the top key findings from the survey:

· Forty-three percent of those surveyed rely on some form of commuter option other than driving alone as either their primary or secondary mode of transportation.

· Nearly 20 percent of those surveyed use either carpooling or vanpooling as their primary mode of transportation.

· Eleven percent of those surveyed use bus or transit service as their primary mode of transportation.

· Fourteen percent of those surveyed currently telecommute or work from home.

· All database members who carpool take approximately 696,735 miles off the road one way to work per week, which translates into 64,099,620 miles roundtrip for the year or $32,690,806 saved (based on $0.51 per mile).

· All database members who use all forms of transportation other than driving along take approximately 1,511,609 million miles off the road one way to work per week, which translates into 139,068,028 million miles round trip for the year or $70,924,694.28 saved (based on $0.51 per mile).

· As a result of the miles reduced in 2012, studies show the amount of pollution that was prevented from entering the air was more than 233 tons of harmful toxins.

Commuter Services works with employers and commuters to encourage options such as taking public transit, carpooling, biking, walking, vanpooling or telecommuting in order to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

For more information about commuter services, call or click on 1-866-579-RIDE, www.PaCommuterServices.org

Funding is provided by the Federal Highway Administration through PennDOT and the region’s metropolitan and rural planning organizations.

Commuter Services board includes transit agencies, planning organizations and chambers:

· Harrisburg Regional Chamber; the Gettysburg Adams, Lebanon Valley, Greater Chambersburg, and York County Chambers of Commerce; Lancaster and Greater Reading Chambers of Commerce & Industry;

· Adams County Transit Authority (ACTA); Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA), County of Lebanon Transit Authority (LT); Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA, Lancaster); York County Transportation Authority (rabbittransit); Capital Area Transit (CAT, Cumberland-Dauphin-Harrisburg);

· Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading and York metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs); Harrisburg MPO (Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties) and Adams and Franklin counties Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs).


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