Penn Hills is dialing up its infrastructure game with a hefty $3 million boost from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Multimodal Transportation Fund. Bringing much-needed relief to the streets and sidewalks, the state funding will pave the way for extensive road and sidewalk improvements within the municipality.
State Representative Joe McAndrew, handed over the metaphorical, and substantial check to Penn Hills council members just this past Monday. McAndrew explained the victory in allocation, "So, our community, Penn Hills, was able to receive the number one funding from PennDOT from their multimodal program totaling $3 million out of the $47 million awarded across the entire Commonwealth." Meanwhile, residents like Sharon Goodwin who has weathered flat tires due to dilapidated roads, expressed their anticipation, "I've been here over 20 years and have gotten flat tires that I had to pay for, and it shouldn't be," she stated, as reported by WTAE.
The injection of funds is expected to multiply the existing paving budget four or five times over, explained Scott Shepard, the Department of Public Works superintendent at Penn Hills. Efforts will kick off in 2027, focusing on about five to six neighborhoods, including areas surrounding Penn View Park and main roads like Shenandoah Drive. Not only will the roads see a makeover but some sidewalks will be upgraded to meet ADA standards as well.
"We are not a walking community, as I said, we are the largest suburb outside of the City of Pittsburgh, and so we really have been over the last few years improving our infrastructure, and this is really just an additional shot in the arm, so we're very grateful to have it," Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese said, as reported by WTAE. On the financial side of things, state Senator Jay Costa, though not present at the momentous council meeting, also played a role in securing the grand funds. According to a CBS News Pittsburgh interview, Costa spoke of the initiative, "This funding will ensure that everyone who uses the roads is safe on their journey, from our drivers to our public transit riders to our pedestrians. I'm so grateful this funding is moving ahead."
It's clear Penn Hills is on a trajectory towards substantial improvements. The residents, tired from years of navigating the perilous pavement, can now look forward to smoother travels as state funds breathe new life into their daily commutes and strolls.
