CAPTION: Breaking ground for Church Street Station, Hazleton’s new intermodal center, are, from left: Jerry Palko, Berger Construction Company; Dominic Yannuzzi, Alfred Benesch and Company; Bob Fiume, former director of Hazleton Public Transit; Joseph Yannuzzi, Hazleton City Council president; Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta; State Sen. Raphael Musto; Michele Mahovich, representing State Rep. Todd Eachus; Bob Sharp, PennDOT; Donna Palermo, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce president; George Hludzik, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board; Renee Craig, acting director of Hazleton Public Transit; and John Koury, The Quandel Group, Inc.

For Immediate Release
Date: August 29, 2008
Contact: The Office of the Mayor @ 570-459-4910

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, joined by local, state and federal transportation officials, Sen. Raphael Musto and representatives from the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and CAN DO, broke ground today on the $12 million first phase of Church Street Station, the city’s new intermodal center.

The transportation center, which will stretch from Church Street to Laurel Street, just one block south of center city’s Broad Street (Route 93), will provide residents of Greater Hazleton a central hub for local, regional and long-distance bus transportation and help alleviate traffic congestion.

Dear friend,

Let me begin by saying, "Welcome."

It is truly my honor to welcome you as a guest to our city today, in the most promising of times.

We are sure that you will find this web site to be symbolic of our dedication to making every effort possible to ensure Hazleton realizes its fullest potential.

The goals of this web site are many and varied.

First, it provides city residents with an insight into their local government and a way for them to see what we are trying to accomplish to make life even better.

Second, it welcomes visitors from around the world who are seeking information on the city of Hazleton. Whether you are looking to our past, our present, or our promising future, it is my sincere hope that this site meets your need for information about our area.

Third, but certainly not last, is Economic Development. Indeed, this site was funded entirely by grants awarded to the City's Office of Economic and Community Development.

The extensive Economic Development section of this site serves as our outpost on the Internet welcoming new, exciting business opportunities. If you are seeking information on locating your business in the Greater Hazleton Area of Northeastern Pennsylvania, please review that section and do not hesitate to call me personally to discuss your needs.

As mayor, I promise to do everything possible to maintain Hazleton's lead in community, friendship, support, technology and economic adventures.

May this web site serve as a signal to residents of our area that the City of Hazleton takes seriously its role in ensuring that our area competes on a global level in the 21st century.

I hope you enjoy your visit to our web site.

Sincerely,

Louis J. Barletta
Mayor
City of Hazleton