The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded $70 million in Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grants to two Pennsylvania projects.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation was awarded $21 million to reconstruct Route 61 in Schuylkill County. The project is expected to save more than $23 million in equity opportunities such as improved emergency responses and access to medical facilities, provide nearly $19 million in environmental benefits and bring more than $214 million to the local economy.
The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority also received $49 million to construct a multi-use berth at the Southport Wharf. When completed, ships will be able to dock directly at the port’s Southport terminal.
“When completed, both projects will provide additional efficiencies to our roadways and waterways as well as job opportunities for Pennsylvanians by breathing new life into communities across the commonwealth,” Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said during a press call with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to announce the awards. “These issues are critical to our public safety, our quality of life, our environment, and our economy. Our infrastructure is a critical component to our economic recovery. As businesses recover and our workforce grows, they depend on our vast transportation network. Infrastructure projects are also job creators, further spurring economic growth.”