West Chester, Pa (August 20, 2024) – Important transportation and streetscape improvements are coming to the City of Coatesville and Oxford Borough thanks to state investments through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said. “By investing in walkability, traffic safety, and pedestrian access in downtown Coatesville and Oxford, we can help attract new businesses, visitors, and residents,” Comitta said. “As Coatesville looks to the opening of its new train station next year and Oxford continues to revitalize and rebuild after last year’s fire, I hope these funds will support community efforts to create a more prosperous and connected future.”
In Coatesville, nearly $122,000 is allotted for the extension of new streetscape improvements along the north side of Lincoln Highway between Third and Fourth Avenues.
In Oxford, $854,356 in state funding is slated for improvements to Niblock Alley, Market to Hodgson Street, including making the adjacent Broad St. Bridge into a public street and gateway to downtown Oxford. The project also calls for improved pedestrian safety and multimodal circulation, and improved rail movement with a new switch.
The investments in Senate District 19 come as part of more than $51 million in funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund to support 66 crucial transportation projects across 32 counties in Pennsylvania. Also in Chester County, funds were awarded to improve Bridge and Starr Streets in Phoenixville Borough and Prospect Avenue in West Grove.
“Infrastructure is critical to our Commonwealth’s progress, and our ability to complete major projects is key to spurring economic growth and creating real opportunity,” said Governor Shapiro. “Investing in and improving our infrastructure is a commonsense way to spur economic development, create jobs, and help Pennsylvanians reach their destinations safely and efficiently. These improvements will help our communities grow as we continue working together to move Pennsylvania forward.”
“Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, transportation is integral to our quality of life,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”
Established under Act 89 of 2013, the Multimodal Transportation Fund provides financial assistance to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to Pennsylvania residents. Eligible applicants include municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities. Eligible projects include streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets, and transit-oriented development.
PennDOT will begin accepting applications for the next round of funding for grants under the Multimodal Transportation Fund on September 23, 2024. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024. Grant recipients are expected to be announced next year for funding that will be available in July 2025.
Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.
###