b'REIMAGINING OUR WESTMORELANDIn 2018, county commissioners approved the Reimagining Our Westmoreland comprehensive plan, which created core objectives to guide the countys efforts to attract, develop and retain a stable workforce that will sustain a healthy economy. Below are some notable updates from our partners. Discover Westmoreland The WCIDC collaborated with Go Laurel Highlands, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce and the county Planning Division to identify the Westmoreland County Brand and create a logo representing it. Developed throughout 2021, the logo debuted at Arnold PalmerRegional Airport and increasingly was used in marketing efforts at the end of the year. Youas well as those outsideof the countywill see more of the logo this year and nextas the Discover Westmoreland marketing plan gains steam inits effort to promote Westmoreland County as a great place to live, work and play. Transportation2021 was a key year for the Laurel Valley Transportation Improvement Project, which will improve the Route 981 corridor between Mt. Pleasant Township and Arnold PalmerRegional Airport in Unity Township. In November, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of the first 4.5-mile portion of the project, and in December PennDOT announced that it had full funding for the project. This project not only will improve traffic flow and safety for local drivers, it sets the table for the expansion of tourism,business and air-freight opportunities in the county.The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission last year announced plans to add a Penn Township interchange that will connect the Turnpike with Route 130. This infrastructure investment will improve transportation options in western Westmoreland, enabling people to live in Penn Township and travel to either downtown Pittsburgh or the wilderness of the Laurel Highlands in 30 minutes or less. Kudos to state Sen. Kim Ward and Rep. George Dunbar for their leadership in getting this project funded by the turnpike commission. BroadbandWestmoreland County has completed an initial feasibility study to ascertain its existing internet connectivity conditions and is working with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission to further understand those conditions and where investment will be directed. The countys commitment to broadband infrastructure and global connectivity will ensure that county residents and businesses have future-proof access.8'