Gov. Rendell this week announced the reactivation of the State Planning Board. This advisory board, comprised of cabinet secretaries, state legislators and citizens, has a mission to monitor trends and issues of concern to the Commonwealth, gather input from state and local officials and citizens and develop reports and recommendations for the Governor and the Legislature on improved state policies and programs.

"This group of people brings a vast amount of experience to the table," Rendell said. "It is a well-balanced board that reflects Pennsylvania's regional diversity and the many interests that need to be involved in thinking about how we reinvest in our cities and towns, conserve our rural lands and strengthen both our urban and rural economies."

The Governor has asked the Board to focus its work on specific development and conservation issues that are vital to the present and future welfare of the state. Other issues to be examined are:

-- Measures to resolve conflicts among development, municipal and conservation interests on infrastructure and open-space issues.

-- Specific policies to achieve smart-growth goals for revitalization of cities, towns and sustainable economic development in rural communities.

-- Proposed options for improved governance measures that will enable Pennsylvania to compete more effectively for economic growth while improving the quality of life in our diverse communities.

The Board will also work with and provide guidance to the Interagency Land Use Team, which has developed goals for sustainable development in Pennsylvania and is working to coordinate state agency actions on land use issues.

First established in 1929, the board has been inactive since the late 1980s. All 15 members were appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Working with the Governor's Center for Local Government Services and the Governor's Policy Office, the board will provide annual updates to the Governor, the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on its activities and progress.

A list of the board members follows:

-- Robert J. Dillman, East Stroudsburg, President, East Stroudsburg University.

-- Rubye Jenkins-Husband, Erie City Council Member.

-- Wendell E. Pritchett, Philadelphia, Asst. Professor, University of Pennsylvania Law School.

-- Stephen G. Pollack, Huntingdon Valley, Real Estate Attorney.

-- Richard D. Urbano, McKees Rocks, Robinson Township Planning Director.

-- Dennis Puko, Hermitage, Mercer County Planning Director.

-- Ronald Bailey, Lancaster, Lancaster County Planning Director.

-- Don Zucco, Johnstown, Mayor of Johnstown & Vice-President Crown American Corp.

-- Judith Schwank, Reading, Chair, County Commissioners of Berks County.

-- Alexander J. Graziani, Greensburg, Executive Director, Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County.

-- John Westrum, Ft. Washington, President, Westrum Development Company.

-- Alan Jennings, Bethlehem, Executive Director, Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley.

-- Ellen Ferretti, Luzerne, Vice President, Pennsylvania Environmental Council for Northeastern Pa.

-- Jane Billings, Swarthmore, Swarthmore Borough Manager.

-- William B. Hawk, Harrisburg, Chairman, Board of Supervisors, Lower Paxton Township.

Legislative Appointees:

-- Rep. David Steil (R Bucks County).

-- Rep. Don Walko (D Allegheny County).

-- Sen. Anthony Williams (D Philadelphia County).

-- Sen. Dominic F. Pileggi (R Delaware County).

Ex Officio Members:

-- Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.

-- Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky.

-- Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty.

-- Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis.

-- Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler.

-- Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman.

The Governor appointed Judith Schwank, Berks County Commissioner, as the

board's chair. Members can serve four-year terms.

7/23/2004