Harrisburg – State Senator John DiSanto (Dauphin/Perry) today announced the approval of $1.3 million in state grants to help pay for three transportation projects in Dauphin County.
The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through its Multimodal Transportation Fund Program.
“A safe, modern transportation system is key to fostering economic development and promoting thriving communities,” said DiSanto. “I am pleased that tax dollars are returning to the 15th district to help pay for these important projects.”
The following grants were approved:
Derry Township – $1 million
Derry Township will use the grant to help pay for the relocation and extension of Sand Hill Road. This project involves the widening of Fishburn Road to allow for a left tum lane and other roadway improvements; the relocation and the signalization of Sand Hill Road to provide improved access to “The Crossing” development; and the excavation, grading and paving of 450 feet of Fishburn Road, north of the Sand Hill Road intersection. A bike path will also be constructed on this road. The intersection of Sand Hill and Fishburn roads is failing due to the increased eastbound and southbound traffic leaving the medical center. The changes will address congestion along Governor Road (Route 322) caused by regular peak hour flow and from traffic exiting the Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center Campus. The total project cost is $2,668,891.
Halifax Borough – $250,000
Halifax Borough will use the funds to assist with putting in new sidewalks, curbs and ADA-compliant ramps along Rise Street, School Street and Fifth Street. The work will include additional inlets and piping that may be required to collect and convey stormwater runoff to reduce ponding and flooding effects on the roadway or sidewalk as a result of the new curbing and sidewalk. This new and improved infrastructure will provide students and other pedestrians a safe route to bus stops and from the residential area to the Halifax Area School District campus. The total project cost is $908,071.
Harristown Development Corporation – $100,000
Harristown Development Corporation will use the grant for pedestrian and streetscape improvements to the SoMa (South of Market Street) neighborhood located in the City of Harrisburg. The improvements along Third Street, between Market Street and Chestnut Street, include the demolition of existing concrete sidewalks, construction of 7,110 square feet of new sidewalk, installation of brick pavers and five bike racks. The proposed project will work together with the City of Harrisburg’s current project of milling and repaving the entire Third Street corridor, which is expected to be completed in 2019. The total project cost is $156,330.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund grants may be used for transportation development, rehabilitation and enhancement projects, including work to improve streetscapes, lighting, sidewalks, pedestrian safety, transportation system connections and transit-oriented development.
CONTACT: Chuck Erdman 717-787-6801 cerdman@pasen.gov