Brewster Announces State Grant for Elizabeth Township Traffic Signals

Brewster Announces State Grant for Elizabeth Township Traffic Signals

Harrisburg, July 22, 2022 – A municipality in the 45th Senate District will be among dozens receiving reimbursement from the state for upgrades to traffic signals, state Sen. Jim Brewster announced today.

Elizabeth Township was awarded $28,080 for LED traffic signals at three intersections through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT’s) “Green Light-Go” program.

“These improvements should save energy and move traffic more efficiently,” Brewster said. “I’m proud to support the efforts of local officials who pursue state funding to move their citizens smoothly into the future.”

Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursement​s to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Grant funding through the Green Light-Go program may be utilized for a range of operational improvements including, but not limited to​, light-emitting diode (LED) technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. 

Gov. Tom Wolf announced 70 such projects across the state. For more information on Green Light-Go, visit PennDOT’s website.

Brewster Working with PennDOT to Safely Reopen Bunola River Road

Brewster Working with PennDOT to Safely Reopen Bunola River Road

McKeesport − January 30, 2020 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is working with officials from the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to reopen Bunola River Road.

Brewster said the road will reopen once a new temporary signal and a permanent power source are secured. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently closed the road to thru traffic after vehicles were witnessed running the lights creating a safety hazard. The road was originally closed to one lane last year due to a landslide.

Brewster said that Bunola River Road is a main artery for many residents and businesses along the Monongahela River in Elizabeth and Forward townships. PennDOT said it was closing the road to non-emergency traffic. The lawmaker said he was advised that once a power source is secured that can safely operate the lights the road will reopen.

Brewster’s statement follows:

“My offices have been receiving calls, emails and letters from constituents voicing their concerns about the repairs and closure of Bunola River Road. I understand their frustration.

“I have traveled Bunola River Road for over 40 years and know firsthand the importance of this road to area businesses, residents and the community. While there have been issues with the one-lane travel procedure that was put into place while the road is being repaired, I’ve asked PennDOT to help find funding and expedite work to safely open the roadway.

“PennDOT officials, especially District Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni, have done an excellent job of identifying alternatives and working through issues to try and reopen the roadway as soon as possible.”

District Engineer Sirianni’s statement:

“The Department’s intention from the beginning was to maintain a single-lane of traffic in order to avoid a lengthy detour for the community, but due to serious safety concerns we were forced to close the roadway.  With the assistance of Senator Brewster and Representative Puskaric, PennDOT is in the process of evaluating options to allow us to safely open the roadway in the near future.”

Bunola River Road closure affects Elizabeth Borough, West Elizabeth Borough, Forward Township and Elizabeth Township.

-30-

Brewster: State Funding Approved for New Water Pump Project in Elizabeth Borough

Brewster: State Funding Approved for New Water Pump Project in Elizabeth Borough

Harrisburg – January 31, 2019 – A state financing agency has approved funding for a critical project in Elizabeth Borough, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced. 

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) approved $8.8 million in loan funding for the Elizabeth Borough Municipal Authority’s new water pump station project.

 “Ensuring that our communities are receiving clean water is critical and the installation of this new water pump will improve water quality in the area,” Brewster said.

PENNVEST noted that the current water pump station has been experiencing issues with wet weather sewage overflows. The consistent overflows and flooding of the station have decreased the capability of the water pumps to adequately remove grit and contaminants.

With the installation of a new pump station, the municipal authority will be able to better accommodate the amount of wet weather sewage and improve contaminant screening and treatment.

The new water pump station will serve residents in the borough as well as other customers in Elizabeth Township, Lincoln Borough, and Forward Township.

-30-

Brewster: Grant Targets Runoff Pollution from Round Hill Park in Elizabeth Township

Brewster: Grant Targets Runoff Pollution from Round Hill Park in Elizabeth Township

Harrisburg – Oct. 18, 2018 – A $40,000 grant has been approved for the Allegheny County Conservation District to reduce pollution runoff from Round Hill Park in Elizabeth Township, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

“Reducing pollution runoff requires focus and resources,” Brewster said.  “The grant to fund work at Round Hill Park will improve the environment and eliminate pollutants that get into our water systems.”

Brewster said the funds are made available from a legal settlement with Sunoco related to the Mariner East 2 pipeline project.  There were 61 projects approved to receive a piece of the $12.6 million settlement. 

The Sunoco settlement funds were awarded not only for pollution abatement, but also for invasive species removal, reforestation, farm runoff and other projects designed to address water quality. 

Brewster said he would continue to seek funds for other critical environmental projects in the region. 

-30-