Matzie: $750k secured for Beaver County transportation, recreation projects

Will fund Aliquippa roadwork, Ambridge playground and splash deck

AMBRIDGE, April 21 -- Grant funding of $750,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help bring safer, smoother travel for Aliquippa residents and new recreational options for Ambridge families, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. 

Matzie said the funding includes a $500,000 grant under the CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund for major upgrades to Fifth Avenue in Aliquippa.
 

“Securing this funding will fix the road and intersection along Fifth Avenue between Jefferson Street and Sheffield Avenue,” Matzie said. “There will be new sidewalks and ADA-accessible curb ramps, and other upgrades will improve stormwater management.

“Aliquippa was recently recognized with a Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence. Working in partnership with the city’s leaders – specifically Mayor Dwan Walker and Councilman Donald Walker – was crucial in securing this funding.”

The total project cost is estimated at $1.5 million, and the city is requesting a waiver of the local matching requirement.

Matzie said a second grant of $250,000 to the Borough of Ambridge under CFA’s Greenway, Trails and Recreation program will provide the remaining funding for a unique new playground.

“The funding for Ambridge builds on last year’s money I secured from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,” Matzie said. “We’re getting new play equipment and picnic, restroom and concession facilities. Plus, the new Henning Street Playground will have a splash pad so families can beat the heat this summer.

“This section of the town has lacked recreational opportunities for quite some time. Working in conjunction with council member and head of Parks and Recreation, Tina Iorfido-Miller, Council President Mike Mikulich and the rest of the board, the vision of a beautiful, fun park for the community will be fully realized.”

Matzie said the project will include construction of a parking area, fencing and paths, and that with the new grant funding, the estimated total project cost of $631,055 is fully committed.