Senate Approves Robbins' Legislation Promoting U.S. Route 6

Harrisburg – Legislation sponsored by state Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) designating Linesville (Crawford County) as the Route 6 "Gateway to the West" was unanimously passed by the Senate today.

Historic Route 6 is the longest highway in the United States -- 3,652 miles -- stretching from Cape Cod in Massachusetts, through Pennsylvania, all the way to Long Beach Island in California. In Pennsylvania, it runs 400 miles through eleven northern counties from Pike County (Borough of Matamoras) to Crawford County (Borough of Linesville).

"The Pennsylvania entry/exit points in Matamoras and Linesville have long been considered the Pennsylvania gateways to the east and west, respectively," said Sen. Robbins. "This legislation simply makes these designations official."

"This transcontinental highway is one of the most scenic roadways in the world and is a valuable resource worth protecting and showcasing," said Robbins. "Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designated Route 6 as the Commonwealth's twelfth Heritage Area." Heritage areas are large geographic regions or corridors of the Commonwealth that contain a multitude of historic, recreational, natural and scenic resources of state and national significance that collectively exemplify the heritage of Pennsylvania.

"I am particularly pleased to promote Linesville as it will soon be the home of the National U.S. Route 6 Museum, which will highlight the impact and importance of Route 6 on the development of our country and will provide opportunities to educate the public on its historic significance," said Robbins.

Juanita Hampton, Executive Director of the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, "I would like to thank Senator Robbins for this initiative promoting Route 6. With this legislation, Pennsylvania will become the first state to have a gateway greeting Route 6 travelers. From June 24th to 28th, the PA Route 6 Tourist Association will hold a fun-filled road trip from Linesville to Matamoras. Everyone is invited to participate." For more information on the road trip, please call 1-87-PAROUTE6.

Senate Bill 1222 now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox, Office of Senator Robbins
(717) 787-1322

Juanita Hampton, Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau
(814) 333-1258