Shapiro Administration invests in Central Pa. transportation, economy

Berks, Franklin, Lancaster, and York are among the counties receiving funding for transportation and infrastructure projects to help grow local economies, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced. 

An investment of over $51 million in funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund will support 66 projects across 32 counties in Pennsylvania. The funding will be used for highway, bridge, aviation, ports, and bike and pedestrian initiatives and is designed to improve safety and mobility while benefitting local economies. 

“Infrastructure is critical to our commonwealth’s progress, and our ability to complete major projects is key to spurring economic growth and creating real opportunity,” Shapiro said in a statement. “Investing in and improving our infrastructure is a commonsense way to spur economic development, create jobs, and help Pennsylvanians reach their destinations safely and efficiently. These improvements will help our communities grow as we continue working together to move Pennsylvania forward.”  

The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities.  

PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability. PennDOT will begin accepting applications on Sept. 23 at 8 a.m. for the next round of funding for grants. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Nov. 5. 

Central Pennsylvania projects approved for funding include the following: 

In Berks County:  

CG Broadcasting, LLC – $1,525,000 for a series of multimodal traffic improvements at the intersection of Route 222, Broadcasting Road, N. Meridian Boulevard, and Paper Mill Road in Spring Township, to support the construction of a mixed-use development at that location. 

In Franklin County: 

WCN Properties, L.P. – $1 million for subbase, curbing, paving, and guide rail on the Archer Drive Extension from Lighthouse Road to Overcash Road in Guilford Township.  

In Lancaster County: 

Quarryville Borough – $215,000 for traffic signal and pedestrian crosswalk installation at Lime and State streets.  

In York County: 

Carroll Township - $1,953,628 for constructing a one-lane roundabout with three slip lanes at the intersection of West Siddonsburg and Ore Bank roads. 

“Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, transportation is integral to our quality of life,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”