Latest news with #MultimodalTransportationFund
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dunmore to improve Keystone Industrial Park Road with $1.8M in grants
Dunmore will use nearly $2 million in grants to improve the crumbling Keystone Industrial Park Road, giving drivers a smoother surface and pedestrians a safer path to work. Borough council voted Monday to approve a resolution authorizing and directing borough Manager Greg Wolff to sign an agreement with the state Department of Transportation to improve Keystone Industrial Park Road, council President Janet Brier said. The project, now more than 3½ years in the making, will use $1.8 million in grants to repave the borough-owned industrial park road and add a bike/walking lane for pedestrians, Brier said. The work will extend from the O'Neill Highway intersection to the Throop border, she said. In its current state, the pockmarked Keystone Industrial Park Road is shrinking at the edges as the shoulders crumble, she said, estimating it hasn't been repaved in at least 20 years. 'It looks like it was a war zone up there,' Brier said. * A vehicle reflected in a side mirror makes its way down Keystone Industrial Park Drive in Dunmore Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG) * Keystone Industrial Park Drive in Dunmore Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG) * Vehicles drive on Keystone Industrial Park Road in Dunmore Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Keystone Industrial Park Drive in Dunmore Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG) Show Caption 1 of 4 A vehicle reflected in a side mirror makes its way down Keystone Industrial Park Drive in Dunmore Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG) Expand With the traffic lines fading and the crumbled shoulders, Brier said she was concerned seeing people walking along the road on the way to work. 'It's super dangerous,' she said. 'There's heavy truck traffic.' The borough first applied for $1 million through the state's Multimodal Transportation Fund in July 2022, but the town only received $200,000, which wasn't enough for the project, Brier said. So, former Councilman Vince Amico, who was council president at the time, contacted the Appalachian Regional Commission, or ARC, Brier said. The ARC is an economic development partnership involving the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region, including Lackawanna County, according to the ARC's website. The ARC's mission is to 'innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation,' according to the organization. Dunmore applied for funding for the project through the ARC. Following a lengthy process that included bringing in a grant writer to assist the borough, the town received $1.6 million for the industrial park road, Brier said. The preapplication process alone included contacting dozens of businesses to document growth in the industrial park, Brier said. 'They don't want to invest in a stagnant area,' she said. For example, Brier learned Maid-Rite Steak Co. Inc., 105 Keystone Industrial Park Road, was closing one of its offices and relocating about 45 people to its Dunmore location in the industrial park, she said. 'They want to see that type of growth,' she said of the ARC. Dunmore hired engineering firm Greenman-Pedersen Inc., which has an office on Montage Mountain, for the project's engineering, Brier said. The borough will now be working with PennDOT on the project, with the agency handling the construction process, she said. Brier did not yet have a timeline for when the work will take place, though she hopes it will bring more businesses to the borough. The industrial park itself is an attractive location because of its proximity to major roads like Interstates 80, 380 and 81, as well as the Casey Highway, she said. 'We want to attract business in Dunmore, and it's very unattractive for a business to come in here and see the roads that they'll be using to go in and out of their business, that their employees will be using,' Brier said. 'I'd like to make it look more attractive for businesses to want to come here.' Prior to council voting on the road improvements, the borough honored Dunmore resident and centenarian Charles Arnone with a proclamation for his 100th birthday, according to Councilman Tom Hallinan. Arnone served in both World War II and the Korean War, Hallinan said. Dunmore Mayor Max Conway, left, poses with resident and centenarian Charles Arnone on Monday at the Dunmore Community Center. The borough honored Arnone, who is a World War II and Korean War veteran, with a proclamation for his 100th birthday. (COURTESY OF COUNCILMAN TOM HALLINAN)
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Detours in place for Lewis Township bridge
LEWIS TOWNSHIP — Detours are in place due to a bridge construction project on a section of Kaiser Run Road (T-341) in Lewis Township. The project starts March 10. The roadway will be closed to through traffic during construction, which is expected to last for approximately two months. Motorists should follow the posted detour routes during this time. The bridges are being replaced as part of a larger multi-municipal bridge improvement program being facilitated by Union County that will replace six locally owned bridges that are in poor condition in five partnering municipalities. The project is made possible through Multimodal Transportation Fund grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. — JUSTIN STRAWSER
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Six Schuylkill road projects get state grants
Six transportation and infrastructure improvement projects in Schuylkill County were recently awarded state grants. A grant of $200,000 was approved to construct a dedicated right-turn lane and traffic signaling at the intersection of Route 61 and Altamont Boulevard near Frackville. These improvements will improve motorist safety outside the borough and support the construction of a commercial property expected to create 600 new jobs, state officials said. Also in Frackville, the borough was awarded $250,000 to replace deteriorating sidewalks along one block of North Lehigh Avenue. The sidewalks, curbs and handicap ramps are now in poor condition and pose hazards to pedestrians, officials said. Schuylkill Haven Borough was awarded $250,000 to make much-needed improvements to the sidewalks, curbing and handicapped ramps along the Parkway section of Route 443. The borough in 2023 had also received $300,000 from the state to support this project. The funding was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure safe and reliable transportation. The grants were approved during a recent public meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. 'Investing in our infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities safe and accessible,' said State Represent Tim Twardzik, who represents Schuylkill. 'This funding will support critical sidewalk and roadway improvements across the 123rd District. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have for residents and businesses throughout the region.' 'Projects like these are important for building strong communities yet can be very expensive for local governments,' said State Sen. David Argall, whose district includes Schuylkill. 'This highly competitive state funding will make drivers and pedestrians safer in our area.' In addition, a project to replace the deteriorating Clark Street Bridge over Good Spring Creek in Donaldson was awarded $453,881 in state monies. The project is a top priority for Frailey Township officials because of the high volume of residents, employers, construction vehicles, and first responders who use this bridge, officials said. The project was also awarded $100,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund in 2024. In East Union Township, $100,000 was awarded for the township's connectivity project that will improve multiple roads within the municipality. And Butler Township has received $20,280 through PennDOT's Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancement Grant Program. The money will be used to buy radar signs to help reduce speeds and decrease the frequency and severity of motor vehicle accidents on Fairgrounds Road and Fountain Street. The signs will encourage safe driving habits and prevent accidents in the township, officials said.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Legislators announce grants for several projects in Luzerne County
Feb. 24—WILKES-BARRE — A streetscape improvement is coming to the 121st Legislative District, thanks to $200,000 in new grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski announced on Monday. The grant is one of several announced by local state legislators. The Wilkes-Barre grant provides funding for streetscape improvements along North Main Street. "Restoration and improvement to our roads and sidewalk helps to provide more accessibility to everyone in the community," said Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre. "Streetscape design improvements enable pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists to share and use the street, accommodating the needs of all users. Not only that, but it often makes the local environment more inviting, healthy, enjoyable, safe and interesting. I was proud to work to bring this funding and these improvements back to the community." Sen. Baker, Rep. Pugh announce funding for traffic improvement projects Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, and Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, announced that Courtdale and Exeter boroughs will receive a combined $500,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund. Courtdale Borough will receive $400,000 to repave 16 roads in Courtdale Borough, and Wyoming Avenue Development Group, LLC will receive $100,000 for traffic flow and pedestrian safety upgrades for a blighted, vacant lot in Exeter Borough. "Projects like those for Courtdale and Exeter boroughs address not only safety upgrades but also contribute to beautifying our district," said Pugh. "I fully support these projects and am anxious to see the improvements come to life." "This money is a big help for allowing these communities to address critical needs. People who live along these roads and those who drive them every day will certainly appreciate the upgrades,' said Baker. "State funding pushes up the timetable for completing the projects and alleviates some of the pressure on municipal budgets. I commend local officials and residents for their advocacy." Rep. Haddock secures $1M for road, pedestrian safety upgrades Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township, announced $1.07 million awarded for roadway projects in Avoca, Jenkins Township and Pittston Township. "It's important that people have safe roads to drive on and cross as pedestrians and these projects will accomplish both of those goals," said Haddock. "Sen. Marty Flynn and I work in tandem to advocate that state funding is returned to our area and today's announcement is just the latest result of our efforts." Approved were: —Avoca Borough — $405,136 to make pedestrian safety upgrades to sections of McAlpine Street. —Jenkins Township — $265,572 for roadway repairs to Chestnut and Walnut streets. —Pittston Township — $400,000 to make pavement improvements to multiple roadways. Rep. Ryncavage, Sen. Culver announce $700,000 for Wright Twp. traffic improvement project Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Town ship, and Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland, announced that Wright Township will receive $700,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund. Wright Township will use the funding for road repairs on Walden Drive. "This award is the latest in a series of funding that the 119th Legislative District has received in recent months to improve the safety of our communities," Ryncavage said. "I will not stop fighting until all projects in our community are fully funded." "Wright Township receiving this grant is welcome news," said Culver. "Moving forward, it is essential that we prioritize infrastructure investments like these, which directly address the needs of our local communities and ensure our roads are properly maintained for the future." Rep. Walsh, Sen. Argall: State grants support revitalization of downtown White Haven; improve D&L Trail Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, and Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, have announced that Phase one of a significant project to improve downtown White Haven and better connect the borough with the Delaware and Lehigh (D&L) Trail was awarded $350,000 in state funding. Once completed, this project will improve the streetscape on Main Street and connect the D&L Trail at the northern and southern ends of the borough. Proposed work includes building a multi-use 8-foot-wide trail along the east side of Main Street, a gateway over Main Street, and a small plaza with a gathering area. Additional work would include reconstructing the sidewalks, curbing, and crosswalks and making other improvements to beautify the area. Once completed, this new section of trail would fill a major missing gap in the D&L Trail's regional network. "This grant is an important step forward in the revitalization of downtown White Haven," said Walsh. "By enhancing public spaces, improving accessibility and supporting local businesses, we are investing in the community's long-term prosperity. This project will not only beautify the area but also foster a stronger sense of pride and connection among residents. I look forward to its competition and seeing the positive impact it will have on White Haven's future." "Local leaders in White Haven have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into their town, despite facing significant challenges," said Argall. "This funding is the next step in turning this dream into a reality. With their acceptance into the Blueprint Communities program, the opening of the new entrance to the D&L Trail from Lehigh Gorge State Park, and new train excursions from Jim Thorpe and other communities, I'm convinced the borough's best days are ahead!" Rep. Watro, Sen. Argall: State grants awarded for local road projects State funding totaling nearly $1 million for road projects in the Hazleton area and East Union Township, Schuylkill County, were awarded, according to Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, and Sen. David Argall, R-Pottsville. The two lawmakers played a key role in securing the grants through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Multimodal Transportation Fund. The grant awards are as follows: —Hazleton Area School District — $850,000 for construction of an access road at its North Academic Campus in Hazle Township. —East Union Township — $100,000 for connectivity improvements on multiple roads in the township. "The Hazleton Area School District is looking to expand its core campus and meet the challenges of a growing student population. The new access road will greatly improve school busing logistics, vehicular pickup and drop-off by parents, and help to reduce street congestion," Watro said. "This project will also make it possible for the district to move forward with plans for a new school building, fieldhouse and other outdoor amenities. I wholeheartedly support these grant awards." "This funding is a key piece of Hazleton Area School District's plans," said Argall. "Given the constant increase of enrolled students, this project will make the traffic flow of students, faculty, staff and parents safer. I'm grateful both projects received this highly competitive state support." Rep. Walsh announces state grants for local road projects State funding totaling nearly $435,000 for transportation infrastructure projects in the 117th Legislative District were awarded today, according to Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township. The grant awards are as follows: —Dallas Borough — $50,000 for a pedestrian safety improvement project. —Nuangola Borough — $284,700 for a road reconstruction project along North End Road. —Salem Township — $100,000 for a streetscape improvement project along Fowler Avenue. "Once the work is done, the projects will help to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike," Walsh said. This funding, through the CFA, was provided by the Multimodal Transportation Fund to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
More than $2 million in grants to improve Lackawanna County roads, help pave way for second Dickson City Wawa
More than $2 million in newly approved grants will improve roads and pedestrian safety throughout Lackawanna County, including helping pave the way for a project to build a Wawa on Main Street in Dickson City — the second proposed Wawa in the borough. The state Department of Community and Economic Development announced Monday that the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved funding for 224 new projects across the state, totaling more than $87 million through the DCED's Multimodal Transportation Fund. The fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth, according to the DCED. Projects in Lackawanna County will receive just over $2 million, in addition to Luzerne County projects receiving about $4.1 million. The Lackawanna County projects are: Archbald: Business Route 6 and Betty Street traffic signal upgrade, $400,000. Clarks Green: Roadway improvements along seven roads, $350,000. Dickson City: Roadway safety improvements to the Main Street and Viewmont Drive intersection on behalf of Lackawanna Executive Park Dickson LLC, $350,000. Dickson City: Streetscape on Boulevard Avenue and crosswalk installation, $400,000. Dunmore: Installation of sidewalks along one block of Drinker Street, $184,589. Scranton: Replacement of the South Webster Avenue Bridge, $350,000. Dickson City Borough Manager Cesare Forconi said the Main Street and Viewmont Drive intersection improvements will enhance the right turning lane from Main onto Viewmont to create a smoother flow of traffic, noting lengthy rush-hour traffic jams. Forconi hopes the improvements will alleviate any congestion from a proposed Wawa at the site of the Lackawanna Executive Park at the corner of Main Street and Viewmont Drive. In a phone interview Monday, Jim Marzolino, the manager of the Lackawanna Executive Park Dickson LLC, said he conducted a traffic study with the borough for the site, and although the study recommended upgrades like timing improvements, the borough requested that they add an additional turning lane from Main Street onto Viewmont Drive, which his firm agreed to do. The turning lane will be on the executive park's property within Lackawanna County's right of way, he said. 'The grant funding, it afforded us the ability to meet Dickson City's request to add a turning lane,' Marzolino said. 'That's just a critical part of it.' He intends to begin demolition of the existing Lackawanna Executive Park building by early July to prepare a site pad for Wawa to develop a new location. The Lackawanna Executive Park on Main Avenue in Dickson City Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) He did not have a timeline for the road improvements or Wawa, though he plans to have the site pad prepared by Sept. 1. Marzolino is also managing a project to develop a site pad for a Wawa along Cold Spring Road on Bell Mountain just above Business Route 6 in the borough. Marzolino said he works with Wawa's preferred developers to deliver the pads. 'We're just developing the land that we own,' he said. 'These are family holdings that we own already that we're just developing.' The Main Street Wawa is the fourth proposed location in Lackawanna County for the Southern Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store chain. In addition to the two Dickson City locations, Wawa is also looking to open locations along Meredith and Main streets in Carbondale Twp. and at Moosic Street and Meadow Avenue in South Scranton. Elsewhere in Dickson City, Forconi said the $400,000 for streetscape improvements will help fund the final phase of planned work for the borough's Main Street revitalization project on Boulevard Avenue from Main Street to Enterprise Street. For the past decade, the borough has worked on a sweeping multimillion-dollar streetscape project along its Main Street, with work eventually carrying a slew of improvements from Hallstead Street to Dundaff Street before moving down Boulevard Avenue, including installing new sidewalks, new streetlights with decorative lampposts, new crosswalks, benches, planters with trees and new trash receptacles. The Boulevard Avenue upgrades will tie into the borough's plans to add a bike lane to Enterprise Street, which then ties into the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, Forconi said. 'It's all part of our master plan … and it is starting to come to fruition now,' he said. 'It's starting to come together.' In Archbald, borough Manager Dan Markey said the $400,000 will help the borough upgrade three groups of traffic signals along Business Route 6 and Betty Street as part of an estimated $800,000 project. The existing lights are so old that the borough would be unable to find parts to repair them if they broke, Markey said. State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, D-114, Waverly Twp., and state Sen. Marty Flynn, D-22, Dunmore, touted the benefits of the new funding in statements Monday. 'Investing in our communities through CFA grants means safer streets, stronger bridges, and improved roadways for everyone,' Flynn said. 'These critical upgrades enhance pedestrian safety and help ensure our community members reach their destinations safely.'
