The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Schuylkill counties, is updating its 20-year regional long-range transportation plan.

The plan is a blueprint for the region’s decision-making on transportation projects and will serve as a spending plan through the year 2050.

As part of the update process, the alliance is inviting residents of Carbon and Schuylkill counties to participate at open houses scheduled on Sept. 5 and 6.

The Tuesday, Sept. 5 open house is from 4-6 p.m. in the first floor conference room at 44 Susquehanna Street, Jim Thorpe.

The Wednesday, Sept. 6 open house is from 5-7 p.m. at Alvernia University, Pottsville Collegetowne, Classroom 127, 500 Progress Ave., Pottsville.

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their opinions, interests and concerns about Northeastern Pennsylvania’s regional transportation system with staff members from the alliance and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Public input received at the open houses will help drive the final plan recommendations and advance future transportation projects aimed at improving safety, mobility and economic development.

The alliance is leading the update of the transportation plan, in cooperation with PennDOT and with technical consulting assistance from Michael Baker International Inc.

The plan development is being guided by an advisory committee consisting of representatives from the region’s four counties and three transit agencies, PennDOT and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“This process is a regional conversation and an important opportunity for those who live and work within the region to discuss how we want to address transportation and traffic issues over the long-term,” said Alan Baranski, Vice President at NEPA Alliance. “We all have a stake in those decisions, for our own future and economic competitiveness.”

NEPA Alliance is a regional community and economic development agency, serving the seven counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania including Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne.

NEPA Alliance services include Business Financing, Government Contracting Assistance, International Trade Assistance, Non-Profit Assistance, Transportation Planning, Research and Information, and Local Government Services. Offices are located at 1151 Oak Street, Pittston.

For more information, visit www.nepa-alliance.org.