Keystone Today

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced the funding of 64 transportation alternative projects in 34 counties across the state that are intended to improve mobility and safety.

The announcement came jointly from Wolf and PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian, a recent press release from the governor's office said. Forty-three projects are being funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

"This is another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is quickly helping Pennsylvanians," Wolf said in the release. "These projects will help make travel in these communities safer and healthier."

Through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program, $54.1 million was awarded by the Wolf Administration, the release said. Before the BIL was passed there was $18 million available. What is being called the "Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside" provides funding for projects and activities that include on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for public transportation access, community improvement, environmental mitigation, trails for transportation and safe routes to school.

Applications were reviewed and selections were made based on a variety of criteria items like safety benefits, costs, readiness to implement, statewide and regional significance, land use integration, transportation decision-making, stakeholder collaboration and leverage of other projects. The reviews were performed by PennDOT representatives as well as those from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Health, and several Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations.

"Transportation affects every aspect of our lives," Gramian said. "We are pleased to bring so many important improvements to communities across Pennsylvania."