Bloomsburg (1983: Doomsday)

Bloomsburg is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Susquehanna, and currently the second largest city. The town is the Federal District of Susquehanna, and has a population of 5194 citizens as of 2010. It has an area of 4.39 sq mi.

Pre-Doomsday
The area was first settled by a man named James McClure in 1772, who built a log cabin on the site of what would become the town. Until the mid 19th century, it was only known as Bloom Township, but grew after a coal boom. On March 4th, 1870 the village was incorporated as a town. Before Doomsday it became known as the only incorporated town in Pennsylvania. McCandless Township had taken the name the Town of McCandless, although it was not classified as one. They were known for Bloomsburg University, and the Bloomsburg Fair held in the fall. As of the last census in 1980, the town had 11,717 individuals.

Doomsday
The town was not a target in the nuclear war between the USA and the USSR. Many individuals feared a conventional strike on the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. That attack never came, but many fled west to escape radioactive fallout.

The entire town council and police force, as well as former members of the state government convened and formed a small provisional state in the city. They used the small National Guard unit to prevent looting, as well as the town police, college campus security, and surviving state police units.

Post Doomsday
Immediately after the power went out the police, security guards and National Guard immediately began to provide emergency care to the injured, and attempted to calm down the panicking population.

Selection as the Capital
The town was chosen as the provisional capital city after the formation of the Provisional Commonwealth of a Pennsylvania. The main reason was the central location, and it had an undamaged courthouse, government buildings, university, and transportation infrastructure. It was also centrally located in the nation.

The provisional government took over the Columbia County Courthouse, and the Caldwell Consistory as a temporary capital and legislative building, respectively. After the official formation of the Commonwealth of Susquehanna the two buildings were officially taken as property of the federal government.

Infrastructure
Interstate 80 runs just north of the town, with the government maintaining the section connecting Danville to Bloomsburg. There are also rail lines that provide both passenger and commercial transportation between Berwick and Danville.

The town has a small airport named Thornburgh Regional Airport, in honor of the last governor of Pennsylvania before Doomsday.

Architecture
All of Bloomsburg's architecture is classical with no skyscrapers. The tallest structure in the town is the courthouse, and Bloomsburg University has a handful of high rises.

The downtown lacks any high rises and has few low rises. A majority of the buildings are architecturally similar to homes, but they have an interior design for business.

Outside in the industrial section there are warehouses and industrial buildings for these companies. These are mostly low steel and concrete buildings that host manufacturing.

The federal government is considering similar laws that former Washington D.C. This would limit the structural height of building to keep the rural feel of the community.

Downtown
The downtown of Bloomsburg, along with that of Hazleton form the two most important business districts. It hosts headquarters for most of the companies based in Bloomsburg and Danville.

The downtown has small buildings, mostly three and four stories, with a handful of five stories. It competes with State College in former central Pennsylvania for business, but also acts as a transit point.

Mass Transit
Bloomsburg is served by Greater Bloomsburg Municipal Transit Authority. It operates in Bloomsburg, Catawissa, Berwick, and much of the surrounding communities. There are two buses and two vans operated.


 * Bus Route
 * Bloomsburg Line- Loop around Bloomsburg (ten stops)
 * Bloomsburg University Line- Loop around Bloomsburg and the University (14 stops)


 * Van Route
 * Catawissa Line- Downtown Bloomsburg to Catawissa, then Danville (four stops)
 * Berwick Line- Downtown Bloomsburg to Berwick (four Stops)

Economy
Most businesses in Bloomsburg are small shops, although there are a handful of big businesses. Bloomsburg University and the government provide a large amount of business and associated business to the community. The main street is the primary business sector of the town, but the lower portion near the river has some factories and warehouses as well. Some facilities in the town are the Bloomsburg Silk Mills, a minor carpet company, and some coal processing facilities.

Bloomsburg is the wealthiest community in Susquehanna, partially due to government presence in the town and a strong economical base at its founding. Per capita GDP is approximately $2100 USD per year.

Federal District
The town of Bloomsburg is also the Federal District for the government. This designation is similar to the former United States government with the District of Columbia. It only covers the town limits and host most government agencies and employees.

Future
Current plans for the city are vast. Many government officials want to expand the town, and construct more infrastructure. As of now, trolley lines are being rolled to be placed from Bloomsburg University to the end of town.

There are plans to construct a smaller version of the Luzerne County Courthouse later in the future. A newer business district is planned along the Susquehanna River. It is planned to construct a new bridge from Bloomsburg to Mainville.