Lehigh Times

Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf and PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian announced that 64 transportation-based projects will receive funding, with 43 being funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). 

A release on April 20 said that the funding was for projects focused on improving transportation alternatives, as well as enhancing mobility and public accessibility statewide. The Wolf Administration awarded $54.1 million from the Surface Transportation Block Grant program Set-Aside and the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside. Prior to the BIL there was $18 million available.

“This is another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is quickly helping Pennsylvanians,” Gov. Wolf said. “These projects will help make travel in these communities safer and healthier.”

According to the released statement by Wolf, the TA Set-Aside allocates funds for various projects including on- and off-road pedestrian and bike facilities, infrastructure projects, enhanced mobility, community improvement projects and environmental mitigation. It also helps projects with trails for transportation, including safe routes to schools.

The applications were reviewed by PennDOT representatives as well as those from the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, the state Dept. of Health and three metropolitan and rural planning organizations. Selections were based on criteria including safety benefits, costs, implementation, state and regional significance, stakeholder collaboration and integration of land use.

“Transportation affects every aspect of our lives,” Gramian said. “We are pleased to bring so many important improvements to communities across Pennsylvania.”

To find information about Pennsylvania infrastructure log onto www.penndot.pa.gov/results. For planned and active PennDOT projects log onto www.projects.penndot.gov.