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.

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Brewster: Over $1 Million for Railway Jobs and Infrastructure Improvements

Brewster: Over $1 Million for Railway Jobs and Infrastructure Improvements

Harrisburg – December 18, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D – Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that $1,146,950 has been awarded for various railway track upgrades and expansion projects in the region.

“The railways that serve the industrial facilities of our region remain as critical components of highly integrated rail network,” Brewster said. “I am pleased that the state has made this significant investment that will help businesses in the area and create an environment that is conducive to job creation.”

U.S. Steel Corporation has been awarded $689,500 to complete rail track updates to accommodate their new hot rolling mill in Braddock.

Union Railroad was awarded $457,450 to construct new railway track and a new rail turnout that will also serve U.S. Steel’s new hot rolling mill.

PennDOT will be distributing the funds for the projects.

“I will continue to push for investments in railway and manufacturing operations,” Brewster said.

Brewster Credits PennDOT’s District Executive for Quick Action, Decisiveness on Rt. 51 Bridge

Brewster Credits PennDOT’s District Executive for Quick Action, Decisiveness on Rt. 51 Bridge

McKeesport – Sept. 27, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that PennDOT’s District Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni acted quickly, decisively and in the interest of public safety when she ordered the temporary closure of the Route 51 Bridge between Elizabeth and West Elizabeth following a cable support failure.

“The temporary closure of the heavily-used bridge was necessary to avert a crisis,” Brewster said.  “District Director Moon-Sirianni took decisive action to protect those who use the Route 51 Bridge in Elizabeth. Safety is a top priority.”

Brewster said he has been assured that repair work will continue on the span and crews will be on scene doing repairs until the bridge can be safely reopened.

“The bridge is a key aspect of the Mon Valley transportation system and must be quickly repaired,” Brewster said.  “PennDOT leadership has been open, transparent and acted to protect those who use the bridge.”

Brewster said that PennDOT will provide further updates as work progresses.

Brewster: Nearly $1 Million for Allegheny County Airport Upgrades

Brewster: Nearly $1 Million for Allegheny County Airport Upgrades

Harrisburg – August 28, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that Allegheny County Airport has been awarded a state grant for $900,000 to upgrade airport buildings.

“Allegheny County Airport is a regional resource that enhances development potential throughout the Mon Valley,” Brewster said.  “An improved airport, in addition to the new Mon-Fayette Expressway and other local economic projects create business development opportunities for the area.”

Funding for the $900,000 grant was through PennDOT’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, Aviation Development Program, and the Multimodal Fund.

Allegheny County Airport (AGC) is a key cog in the transportation infrastructure of the region.  The airport began serving the county in 1931. The airport has more than 60,000 commercial and scheduled flight takeoffs and landings every year.

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Brewster Announces $223,000 in Funding for Allegheny County Airport

Brewster Announces $223,000 in Funding for Allegheny County Airport

Harrisburg – Dec. 6, 2018 – Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin is slated to receive a $223,000 grant to acquire equipment for the airport facility, Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today.

“The Allegheny County Airport is a tremendous asset and an important part of the region’s transportation network,” Brewster said. “The grant funds will be utilized to buy equipment and support operations at the facility.”

The funding was approved through the state Department of Transportation’s Aviation Development Program.  The Allegheny County Airport is one of 26-grants approved statewide for aviation projects. Over $6 million was approved for aviation projects in this funding round. 

“The airport serves the entire economy of southwestern Pennsylvania and will grow in importance when other key local economic projects – such as the Mon-Fayette Expressway – are completed,” Brewster said. “A first-rate airport is a strong economic tool that can be used to attract other development and jobs.”

Brewster said that funding for the grants is generated through the state’s jet fuel tax and the multimodal fund. 

Brewster is a member of the Senate Transportation Committee. 

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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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Brewster: “Green Light-Go” Grants Awarded to Monroeville, Versailles and White Oak

Brewster: “Green Light-Go” Grants Awarded to Monroeville, Versailles and White Oak

Harrisburg – July 12, 2018 – Over $1 million in grant funding has been approved for three local municipalities to pay for traffic signal improvements and enhanced safety at heavily used intersections, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

PennDOT’s “Green Light-Go” funding was approved for Monroeville ($226,709), Versailles ($265,191) and White Oak ($601,808) in Allegheny County.  The program is designed to reimburse local municipalities for signal upgrades and intersection safety improvements. 

“These grants funds will help our local communities improve safety and security in heavily used intersections,” Brewster said.  “Protecting motorists and pedestrians, while improving traffic flow, is critical.

“Our communities are committed to making investments that will positively impact motorists and pedestrians for years to come.” 

Monroeville’s grant funding is earmarked for traffic signal upgrades at Monroeville Boulevard and Wyngate Road.  Versailles will use the funds to replace outdated equipment and install new technology to aid first responders at two intersections in the borough. 

The grant for White Oak will address issues at six intersections.  The funds are targeted for equipment upgrades related to vehicular and pedestrian traffic and helping first responders manage intersections in the borough.  

Seventy municipalities shared in the $31 million that was distributed in this round of funding.

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Re-opening of Route 30 After Landslide Welcomed by Brewster

Re-opening of Route 30 After Landslide Welcomed by Brewster

Harrisburg – June 27, 2018 – The reopening of a section of U.S. 30 in East Pittsburgh that was closed due to a devastating landslide last April is excellent news for the region and will be well received by motorists and citizens, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today. 

“This is excellent news for area residents who have faced travel difficulties since the road collapsed in April,” Brewster said.  “The roadway is used by locals and businesses and is a main access highway.

“PennDOT has done a wonderful job in moving quickly on the repairs.  All those who worked to repair the road, strengthen the foundation and promote safety should be congratulated for their hard work and diligence.”

The massive cleanup from a devastating landslide and reconstruction of a section of U.S. 30 began almost immediately following the collapse of the roadway.  The slide occurred when a wall gave way. 

“Local residents, motorists and businesses along the U.S. 30 corridor were impacted by the closure of the highway,” Brewster said.  “The governor, secretary of transportation, District Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni along with other state and county officials made resources available so the work could proceed without delay.”

An estimated 21,000 vehicles a day utilize the highway.  The artery had been closed in both directions. 

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Brewster: Transportation Grant Approved for Brentwood

Brewster: Transportation Grant Approved for Brentwood

Harrisburg, February 8, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said that a $65,000 state grant for Brentwood Borough has been approved for sidewalk improvements.

“This grant will help Brentwood complete much needed repairs,” Brewster said. “Repairs to these sidewalks will improve safety and it’s another way that the state can augment local public works initiatives.”

The grant funding is available through PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. Brewster noted the grant will help improve and repair 18,000 square feet of sidewalk.

The senator is the former mayor of McKeesport and served on council for many years. As a former local official, he said he knows of the importance of using state resources to help complete local projects.

“Accessing state funding to complete projects in our cities and towns relieves local taxpayers of the burden and returns dollars from Harrisburg,” Brewster said.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund was formed in 2013. PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation committee reviews applications submitted by local governments and organizations, and grants the funding requests for approved projects.

In Brewster’s district, there were more than $11.6 million in state grant funds from a variety of sources approved last year.

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Brewster Not Surprised by PennDOT’s Weight Restrictions, Calls on Legislature to Pass Transportation Bill

Harrisburg, August 27, 2013 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said he is not surprised by PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch’s decision last week to weight restrict about 1,000 bridges in Pennsylvania.

“This is about public safety,” Brewster said.  “The legislature failed to pass a transportation bill that provided enough funds to repair Pennsylvania’s structurally deficient bridges.  Now, Secretary Schoch is left with the difficult task of maintaining safe roadways and bridges without adequate support.”

Pennsylvania has some of the oldest bridges in the country.  Due to natural deterioration that comes with age or excess use, 11,000 of the state’s bridges are classified as structurally deficient.  Although structurally deficient bridges are safe for motorists to drive on, the designation is an indication of future problems if precautions are not taken.

“Secretary Schoch is taking the steps necessary to avoid further deterioration and to protect the structural integrity of the state’s bridges,” Brewster said.  “It is unreasonable to criticize him for responding to a problem that was caused by the legislature’s inaction.”

“The list of weight restricted bridges will continue to grow until the legislature provides enough support to repair them,” Brewster said.  “The Secretary spent the last year traveling the state warning us of these possible restrictions if the legislature failed to pass a transportation bill, and now we are seeing his warnings being implemented.  This is no surprise.”

Brewster added, “The transportation bill was tied to a failed liquor privatization bill in the legislature and this was unacceptable and irresponsible.  We should not be playing politics with public safety.  We need to pay attention to Secretary Schoch’s reminders that several other states have experienced tragedies because of a failure to address inadequate infrastructure, including fallen bridges.”

Brewster said he will work with his colleagues to pass a comprehensive transportation bill that properly funds bridge and road repairs when the Senate begins a new session next month.

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