HARRISBURG – State Sen. Joseph Scarnati (R-25) and state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) are reminding residents of the upcoming public hearings being held by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to gather further input on the effects of both the geographic split and overlay options designed to ensure adequate numbering resources in the 814 area code.

“I am pleased the Public Utility Commission has decided to hold additional hearings on this important public matter,” Scarnati stated. “It is imperative this issue be vetted to the greatest extent to ensure every consideration is given to the voices of the citizens of this area.”

The schedule of hearings, all to begin at 6 pm, is as follows:

• Monday, Aug. 15 – Arlington Hotel, 1 Seneca St., Oil City.
• Tuesday, Aug. 16 – Bradford Fire Department, 368 Interstate Parkway, Bradford.
• Wednesday, Aug. 17 – DuBois High School Auditorium, 425 Orient Ave., DuBois.
• Thursday, Aug.18 – Punxsutawney Community Center Auditorium, 220 North Jefferson St., Punxsutawney.
• Monday, Aug. 22 – Somerset Fire Department, 340 West Union St., Somerset.
• Tuesday, Aug. 23 – Quality Inn, Keystone Room, 4407 Business 220, Bedford.
• Wednesday, Aug. 24 – Ramada Altoona Conference Center, Ballroom A, 1 Sheraton Drive, Altoona.

Gabler is pleased not only with the additional hearings, but with the wide geographic area from which public comment will be gathered.

“Senator Scarnati and I were both insistent that the PUC offer more opportunities for public opinion from a wider segment of the population,” added Gabler. “I am glad they chose to listen further to the people who will be impacted by its decision, especially in DuBois and its surrounding municipalities, which are very close to the boundary line which would have, under the previous plan, divided some communities into 582 and 814 area codes.”

“I am confident this additional round of hearings will better aid the PUC in rendering its decision.”

Anyone wishing to speak at the hearings is asked to have a written statement, bring copies of it and prepare for the possibility of being questioned. The PUC has suspended the timeline for implementation of area code relief, in order to allow for this additional round of public hearings.

The list of possible 814 area code phone numbers is expected to be exhausted by the first quarter of 2015, resulting in the need for a way to accommodate any subsequent telephone customers.

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Contact: Tim Nyquist (814) 726-7201