$500K+ awarded to local groups for transportation, recreation projects
Grants will fund projects to install sidewalks, renovate parks
Rep. Sara Innamorato November 19, 2021 | 1:47 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 -- State Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, announced three grants have been awarded to community organizations that will help install sidewalks, renovate a local park, and address needs along the Three Rivers Water Trail.
The funding is be distributed by Commonwealth Financing Authority through two grant programs: the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program, and the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program. These two funds allow municipalities and organizations to apply for funding that will develop, enhance, or rehabilitate transportation assets, greenways, recreational trails, parks, and more.
The following grants were awarded by the CFA:
- 51 Bridge Street LLC -- $450,195 to install new sidewalks along Bridge and Butler streets in Etna, as well as make upgrades to curbs, benches, light poles, trees, and the storm water management system.
- Borough of Aspinwall -- $52,800 to make renovations to Fireman’s Park, which is outdated and not ADA accessible. The project will install ADA-compliant playground equipment, rehabilitate volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and basketball courts, and upgrade park amenities like picnic tables, grills and trash bins.
- Friends of the Riverfront Inc. -- $22,200 to support a management plan for the Three Rivers Water Trail. The funding will help address four key areas along the water trail, including accessibility, conditions and maintenance, expansion and promotion. The plan will help guide the 72 riverfront municipalities.
“Our neighbors deserve to walk on safe sidewalks, enjoy the best park amenities there are to offer, and have access to a beautiful riverfront trail. These funds will accomplish this and allow them to get out, explore and enjoy everything our communities have to offer,” said Innamorato. “I’m proud to represent the recipients that applied for this funding and grateful to the Commonwealth Financing Authority to awarding this funding. It’s a great day for us in the 21st District.”
“The AM Group is excited to work with the Borough of Etna to improve the streetscape along Bridge Street, which will include new sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and stormwater improvements. Bridge Street is very much a gateway to the heart of Etna’s main (Butler) street, and this grant will allow the affirmation of that from the pedestrian perspective,” said Thomas Sabol, a partner with the AM Group. “We are grateful for the continued support from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, DCED Secretary Dennis Davin, Senator Lindsey Williams, and Representative Sara Innamorato. We are excited to implement these improvements for the residents and visitors of Etna and to further advance the 51 Bridge Street development, which will contribute to Etna’s thriving Community.”
“Friends of the Riverfront is honored to receive this funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. It will advance our work with riverfront communities in the Allegheny Valley and across the county. It will connect our communities to the rivers, provide them access to the economic and health benefits of the trails, and generally enhance quality of life,” said Courtney Mahronich Vita, director of trail development for Friends of the Riverfront.
“The Borough is thrilled to receive this grant to update our playground amenities at Fireman’s Park. Fireman’s Park is a quaint park located on the hill in Aspinwall that is well used by residents and neighbors daily throughout the year,” said Melissa Lang, Aspinwall’s borough manager. “The updates to our playground equipment is the second phase of our Fireman’s Park rejuvenation. Thank you to the CFA for awarding us this grant.”
More information about the CFA and the funding programs can be found here.