Ciresi announces $753.8K in state grants for Trappe and Royersford multimodal projects

HARRISBURG, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced today that Trappe was awarded $423,833 to install sidewalks and pedestrian crossings and the Riverfront at Royersford LLC was provided $330,000 to construct a trail along the Schuylkill River by the Commonwealth Financing Authority though the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program.

“This grant will help improve quality of life by improving pedestrian infrastructure in Trappe and creating multiuse trails in Royersford,” Ciresi said. “This money will help improve pedestrian and bicyclists’ safety and so encourage physical activity, healthier lifestyles, and walkable communities in our area.”  

Trappe will use the grant to install sidewalks and pedestrian crossings along Main Street as part of Phase II of the Downtown Trappe Pedestrian Improvements project. Phase II includes replacing the walkway along the historic Augustus Church, installing new sidewalk in the western part of downtown Trappe, and upgrade several of Main Street’s crosswalks for pedestrian safety.

Ciresi had announced $250,000 in Commonwealth Financing Authority funding for Trappe sidewalk improvements earlier this year.

Riverfront of Royersford LLC will use the grant to construct an eight-foot-wide walking trail with adequate lighting for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic along a ¾ mile stretch running parallel with the Schuylkill River. This trailway will serve as a centerpiece for an interconnected trail and sidewalk network in the community, allowing residents to connect to Limerick Township, and to a planned restoration of a rail trestle over the river to connect to Spring City, Chester County, and the Schuylkill River Trail. The trail would also neighbor a proposed redevelopment by Riverfront of Royersford LLC of a former industrial site into a mixed-use downtown center with commercial anchors, upscale retail, and residential components.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth.

Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development.

Residents with questions about the funding can contact Ciresi’s office at 484-200-8265 or https://www.pahouse.com/Ciresi/Contact.