Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary Leslie S. Richards announced October 14, 2016 that 37 highway, bridge, bike and pedestrian projects will receive $40 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
“Communities across Pennsylvania rely on infrastructure improvements to support economic growth and attract new residents and businesses,” Governor Wolf said. “These projects support improved transportation for all residents, whether they walk, bike or drive.”
“The fund allows us to assist communities with needed transportation improvements that otherwise may not move forward,” said PennDOT Secretary Richards. “This process represents an opportunity for worthwhile local projects to secure the support needed to come to fruition.”
PennDOT evaluated 251 applications totaling more than $282 million and made selections based on safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund was created by Act 89, enacted in November 2013, Pennsylvania’s far-reaching transportation funding plan. For the first time, transit, aviation, rail freight and pedestrian and bicycle modes obtained dedicated sources of funds, putting the modes on a firmer footing for future initiatives.
“The Smithfield Gateway project is a game-changer for the community and will transform that area of Monroe County,” said Jim Depetris of DEPGAssociates, the project developer. “Many thanks to PMEDC for their continued help and support as we work together to make this project a reality.”
Chuck Leonard, Executive Director of PMEDC commented “We have been working with Mr. Depetris on this from the beginning and are very pleased that all the pieces are beginning to come together. There are significant off-site road improvements are required for this project and these funds will enhance safety and traffic flow at that very busy intersection. We appreciate the support from our legislators State Senator Mario Scavello and State Representative Rosemary Brown in helping achieve the approval.”
For more information about the program, including the application form, visit www.penndot.gov and click on Multimodal Transportation under the “Projects & Programs” button.
Monroe County:
• Pocono Mountain Industries, Inc. — $2,074,563 to construct roadway improvements on Routes 209 and 447 to support construction of Smithfield Gateway, a mixed-use development in Smithfield Township.
Link to the interview: Smithfield Gateway makes news on WBRE Stroudsburg TV!