The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded Pennsylvania’s Borough of Sharpsburg a nearly $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant.
The grant supports the Reconnecting the Allegheny Riverfront to Economic Opportunity Project. The project will construct a multimodal transportation network that includes multi-use trails along the Allegheny River, roads connecting the community to the riverfront district, a bridge over the Conemaugh rail line, and improvements to six bus stops along Main Street.
Once the project is completed, Sharpsburg will be able to use Allegheny Shores, a 52-acre waterfront brownfield located five miles outside Pittsburgh, for new development along the waterfront, complete gaps in the regional trail network, and connect residents to walking, biking, and transit options.
Nearly 12 percent of the borough is located in the formerly blighted site.
“This grant represents a monumental opportunity for our historic river town, with potential impacts that are truly unprecedented,” Sharpsburg Borough Manager Christine DeRunk said. “We cannot emphasize enough how much these funds will help transform our community and improve quality of life, catalyze economic development, enhance recreation, and promote environmental stewardship.”
The redevelopment will transform the Allegheny Shores into a hub for affordable housing, alternative transportation, jobs, and greenways.