Endeavor's Neat Numbers

30

The oil fields of northcentral Pennsylvania are seeing increasing pressure.

About 30 more oil and gas wells are being drilled this year than in 2005. "We are seeing new drilling techniques and enhanced exploration for natural gas in non-traditional areas of the state," DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty said. "The energy industry is responding to market demands by re-visiting Pennsylvania's oil and gas fields."

DEP officials have seen a rise of about 30 percent each year for the last four years. In response to the increased drilling activity, $333,000 has been included in the general fund budget for six new inspectors to process permit applications and ensure compliance with environmental laws.

76.9

Another of those statewide statistical summaries is making the rounds. Often, in rural areas such as Cameron County, it's difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions from the studies due to the low population.

But, for what it's worth, the average life expectancy in Cameron County is 76.9 years. Neighboring McKean County has the second shortest life expectancy in the state, at 75.7 years. The study was conducted by Harvard University Initiative for Global Health and Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Christopher J.L. Murray, the director, said differences in alcohol and tobacco use, blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity are among the biggest determining factors for life expectancy.

7M

The Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has ambitious plans for improvements to Kinzua Bridge State Park, which was damaged heavily by a tornado in 2003.

DCNR has set aside $7 million for restoring and expanding the park. So far, $700,000 has been released for a study that is to begin next spring, with construction to start in 2008. Among the plans is the addition of a museum and interpretative center. When the viaduct is stabilized, park visitors will be able to walk onto the deck overlook, enabling them to see the debris at the bottom of the gorge.

The state park is also slated to be the site of a regional maintenance complex, turnarounds for tourist buses and a wilderness camping area.

25,000

St. Marys City Council supports an ambitious plan that would create a bicycle trail stretching from Emporium through St. Marys and on into Ridgway.

At last week's business meeting, Council members passed a far-reaching resolution to seek state funds for the St. Marys/Elk Creek Park Project. The application to the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural seeks $25,000 to cover half the cost of hiring a consultant to draw up a blueprint.

The work would involve a study of Elk Creek from the site of the new Sheetz store to Fourth Street, as well as a plan for a bike trail with St. Marys as the hub between Ridgway and Emporium. If the grant is approved, the city will provide an additional $25,000.

95,000

Eric M. Bridges of Bemus Point, N.Y., has been hired as executive director of the Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission, at an annual salary of $95,000 a year.

The position has been vacant since Ron Kuleck last December after being placed on administrative leave. Kuleck's job was being handled by deputy directors Howard Glessner, Mike Lawrence and Donald Masisak. Bridges has served in community development positions since earning his masters degree from Alfred (N.Y.) University.

More than 80 applications were received for the position through a recruitment effort conducted by consultant J.L. Nick Associates Inc. of Erie. Lawrence and Masisak will likely revert back to their previous positions in the organization, while Glessner retires. ministration patients.

50

Two years after residents in Bradford demanded city action to reduce the population of wild cats in the area, the problem has resurfaced.

Residents stormed a City Council last week to air their gripes. Two women who live on Lincoln and Rockland avenues are at the heart of the problem, they said, feeding an estimated 50 feral cats that are reproducing exponentially. Council considered passing an ordinance in 2004 requiring that domestic cats be licensed, but did not take action. Mayor Michele Corignani explained that the city has no enforcement mechanism.