West Central PA News

Sen. Joe Pittman, Reps. Jim Struzzi, and Brian Smith have announced grants totaling more than $2.7 million for transportation infrastructure projects in Indiana and Jefferson Counties. The investments, approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority on March 26, 2024, aim to improve roads, bridges, and airports in the region.

Pittman expressed his satisfaction with the approved funding, stating, “I’m proud to have worked with local and state leaders to advocate for this substantial state funding for projects within our region. These investments will have a positive impact on local residents, as well as help to advance local economic development for many years to come. Just like in other areas of our state, our communities in rural areas must have a strong and reliable transportation infrastructure in place.”

Rep. Jim Struzzi highlighted the importance of addressing local infrastructure needs, stating, “Addressing upkeep of vital local infrastructure such as bridge and road repair and transportation upgrades is how we believe constituents would prefer the hard-earned tax dollars they send to Harrisburg to be used. While we’re making the grant announcement, our local government partners are the ones who deserve credit for initiating the grant process.”

Similarly, Rep. Brian Smith, drawing from his experience as a former truck driver and business owner, emphasized the significance of road maintenance, saying, “As a former truck driver and trucking business owner, I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay on top of our road maintenance. Our goods can only get where they need to go if there’s a stretch of asphalt to get them there. This funding will help offset the high costs of these important projects to our local municipalities.”

The grants, provided through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, aim to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable transportation system for the residents of Pennsylvania. The funds will be utilized for the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of transportation assets in existing communities, addressing various aspects such as streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets, and transit-oriented development.

The announcement of these grants signifies a significant investment in the transportation infrastructure of Indiana and Jefferson Counties, ultimately benefiting residents and promoting economic growth in the region.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)

Scott Little (Rep. Struzzi)

Jake Gillespie (Rep. Smith)