The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently awarded $49.6 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants to 58 highway, bridge, aviation, ports, and bike and pedestrian projects in 37 counties.
“Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, transportation is integral to our quality of life,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”
The Multimodal Transportation Fund program provides financial assistance to businesses, councils of governments, economic development organizations, municipalities, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation infrastructure that enhances communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization.
PennDOT evaluated the applications on criteria such as energy efficiency, job creation, operational sustainability, regional economic conditions, safety benefits, and technical and financial feasibility.
“Investing in and improving our infrastructure is a commonsense way to spur economic development, create jobs, and help Pennsylvanians reach their destinations safely and efficiently,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
The largest grants were awarded to the city of Philadelphia, which will receive $3 million to upgrade a successful Slow Zone in the Fairhill Neighborhood in North Philadelphia, and South Hanover Township was awarded $3 million to reconnect Hayshed and Red Top Roads to reduce accidents at Red Top Rd/SR 39. In addition, $3 million was awarded for the Schuylkill River Port Improvement Project for installing a new bulkhead at the Olde Yankee Terminal site to improve the dock’s efficiency for handling sand/aggregate cargoes needed for use in the region’s construction projects.
PennDOT will begin accepting applications for the next round of funding on Sept. 25. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 10 with grant awards to be announced in July 2024.