Brewster Hails $3 million for Steel Valley Trail, McKeesport Multimedia Center, City Parking Garage

Brewster Hails $3 million for Steel Valley Trail, McKeesport Multimedia Center, City Parking Garage

Transportation grant validates Brewster’s work in seeking significant investment

Harrisburg – Oct. 2, 2018 – Nearly $3 million in grant funding will help bolster downtown McKeesport, expand the Steel Valley Trail, connect the new Multimedia Center and fund improvements to the city’s parking garage, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today. 

“This massive investment will yield tremendous benefits for years to come,” Brewster said.  “We aggressively sought state funding to help the city transform its downtown, tie-in new development with an expansion of the trail, enhance tourism and rehabilitate nearby parking to attract more visitors to the city.”

The $2.9 million state multimodal grant to McKeesport was one of 43 approved statewide.

Brewster said he envisions the development of a secure, lighted elevated track that encompasses an area along the RIDC property that will generate foot and bike traffic and add to the work now being done at the former Daily News building.  He said the new Multimedia Center will be a focus point of activity. 

“This is incredibly exciting news for the region,” Brewster said.  “The expansion of the trail, coupled with the new energy and activity at the center — including excellent access to nearby parking –creates even more commercial opportunities in the city.”

Brewster credited Gov. Tom Wolf for approving the funds for the project.  He said McKeesport Mayor Mike Cherepko along with the many officials involved in the effort to bring the former Daily News building back should be extremely pleased with the funding.   He said the officials worked exceptionally hard to bring dollars and development back to the city’s center.

“This is a big development project for the downtown area,” Brewster said.  “Now, it is up to all the officials involved to effectively use the state grant funding to complete the critical work and make the next phase of the development a success.”

Brewster said the trail expansion and new multimedia center will generate additional commercial activity it the vicinity of the trail and in the downtown area.  He said there will be substantial spinoff benefits once the grant funding is applied and the area improved. 

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