Schedule conflicts prevented me from attending the Dedication Ceremony honoring Ken Larson. But I think it is important for his family and the community to know about another example of how Ken went beyond the typical PA DOT District Engineer’s role.

When I was Executive Director of Lycoming County Planning Commission the need to rebuild the Market Street Bridge over the Susquehanna was announced, so I called Ken and met with him. I explained that there was a need to offer a safe connection between Williamsport and South Williamsport/Duboistown that would not require people to drive and then try to find affordable parking.

So Ken and his Engineers designed the Market Street Bridge superstructure to be widened to create a safe Walkway/Bike Path on the Bridge Structure. And Ken even added safe ramps to connect to the Riverwalk on top of the levee. And Bike lanes were built on the Maynard Street Bridge and the Arch Street Bridge – adding important connectors that enabled cyclists and walkers to do loop trips.

The public health value of these Bikeable/Walkable Paths cannot be fully measured. AND the economic benefits certainly do include making our connected communities more liveable and attractive!!

JERRY S. WALLS

board adviser,

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

Loyalsock Township

Submitted by email