The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board recently announced a pilot program with Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, West Chester University, Alvernia College and Caron Treatment Centers to develop a Town-Gown Pilot Project aimed at preventing underage and dangerous drinking on college campuses and in the communities.

"As the regulator of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, we are keenly aware of the negative impact irresponsible and underage drinking can have on the health and safety of local communities, particularly 'college towns,'" Joseph E. Brion, PLCB chairman said.

"Over the years, the agency has worked with local municipalities and colleges/universities to address some of those issues.

"For instance, we have provided grant funds to add law enforcement details during certain events, train peer educators and conduct online alcohol assessments for incoming students.

"We also partnered with the Borough of State College in addressing the annual 'State Patty's Day' event.

"This pilot project takes our involvement one step further. Our goal is to create a comprehensive plan all universities in the state could use to positively impact student alcohol consumption."

Recently, representatives from the PLCB's Office of Regulatory Affairs, all four universities (team members included campus and community members, local police, mayors, school principals, etc.) and Caron Treatment Center met for a two-day training session to assess the current environment in the participating Town-Gown communities, establish a vision for the future and begin developing a strategic plan to help them fulfill that vision.

Follow-up technical assistance will be provided to each of the pilot teams at 30- 60- and 90-day intervals.

Formal strategic plans will be complete by spring and a final report will be presented in May.

The pilot project is funded by a $15,000 grant from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association.

For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.state.pa.us.