U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $13.3 Million For Transit Projects in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents will benefit from transit enhancements, improved access to employment areas and expanded bus services as a result of four grants totaling $13.3 million announced today by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta.

 Every day residents of Pennsylvania do their part when they commute to work,” said Secretary Mineta.  “Today we do our part by making the kind of investment that will keep commuters and the economy moving.”

 Grants totaling $13,373,947 will support the following projects:

• The Port Authority of Allegheny County will receive a $6.9 grant for the North Shore Connector Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project.  The project is an extension of the existing LRT in two locations within the city of Pittsburgh: the Gateway Line, a 1.2-mile extension from the existing Gateway Center Station, across the Allegheny River, to the new Heinz Field Football Stadium and Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore; and the Convention Center Line, a 0.3-mile extension from the existing Steel Plaza LRT Station to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.      
  
  
• Another grant for $3.9 will be used by the Port Authority to finance Job Access and Reverse Commute projects in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Region.  The funds will be used for the expansion of transit services, community van services, employer van services and other shared ride programs.  The projects will be implemented and operated by transit agencies, transportation management associations, human service agencies, and a faith-based community service.     
  
  
• The Westmoreland County Transit Authority will receive a $1.2 grant to buy three under-30-foot buses to replace vehicles that have reached or exceeded their useful life and purchase four commuter buses for service expansion.     
  
  
• The city of Williamsport will receive a $1.2 grant to buy two replacement buses and associated capital maintenance items; renovate and expand the administrative and maintenance facility; purchase and install a bus washer in the facility; and install three bus stop shelters and signage.