Harrisburg – October 25, 2016 – More than half a million dollars in grant funds have been awarded to support the development of walkways, green space and streambank restorations in Allegheny County, according to state Sen. Jay Costa (D- Forest Hills) and state Rep. Paul Costa (D-Wilkins Township).
Three projects will receive funding made available by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). The CFA is an independent state agency responsible for administering Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages including the Multimodal funds, Watershed Restoration and Protection funds and the Act 13 programs.
“These projects are critically important to the future of our communities,” Sen. Costa said. “Investing in local projects opens the door to new job opportunities and sparks continued economic growth and development. That’s an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.”
Through the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Funds program, the following grants were approved:
- Churchill Community Developments, $240,320 to construct a pond and boardwalk at The Shoppes in Pittsburgh Studios located in Churchill Borough;
- Riverview Apartments Inc., $240,000 for the construction of accessible walking pathways and multi-generational outdoor activity areas in Pittsburgh.
Rep. Paul Costa said that the former Westinghouse Research property in Churchill has significant economic potential and he was pleased that the funding was approved.
“The new state investment and development of the site will result in more jobs, commercial activity and business opportunities,” Rep. Costa said. “The redevelopment will help the economy of the entire region.”
“The funding will be used to add amenities that will enhance the value of the property and increase its attractiveness as a place to visit and conduct business.”
In September, Sen. Costa and Rep. Costa announced that $2.5 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds were approved for work on the project. Earlier this year, $1 million in state CFA multimodal funding was also approved to install traffic signals, build bus shelters, construct roads and a round-about at the site.
In addition to multimodal funds, the CFA announced grant awards from the Watershed Restoration Protection Program to:
- Borough of Oakmont, $85,000 for a gravel bar removal and streambank restoration on Plum Creek in the Borough of Oakmont.
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