Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced more than $52 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects across Pennsylvania. These grants, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) under programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will fund essential upgrades to bridges, sidewalks, roads, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These projects aim to reconnect communities, enhance safety, and boost economic development by prioritizing underserved communities across Pennsylvania.
“I came to Washington to get real results for Pennsylvania. Bringing home this $52 million does just that. These projects will improve the infrastructure we depend on every day—from fixing up rural bridges to making sure all Pennsylvanians can move safely through their neighborhoods—we’re investing in people first, no matter their zip code,” said Senator Fetterman. “These projects will create jobs, strengthen local economies, and reconnect people with the critical resources their communities have been cut off from for too long. This is what it looks like when we rebuild from the ground up and refuse to leave anyone behind.”
These projects reflect Senator Fetterman’s commitment to being a champion for Pennsylvania’s forgotten communities and expanding access to resources and opportunities for all Pennsylvanians. From rural bridge replacements to pedestrian infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods, the following initiatives are a testament to that vision.
Revitalizing Rural Bridges: $8.5 Million
A major grant through the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program will fund the replacement and rehabilitation of six critical bridges in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter counties. These bridges are lifelines for local communities, ensuring safe and reliable access to schools, businesses, and emergency services. Senator Fetterman personally supported this project in a letter to Secretary Buttigieg.
Reconnecting Communities: $4.8 Million
Three transformative projects funded through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program will improve community quality of life by addressing infrastructure barriers that divide towns and neighborhoods:
- Philadelphia’s Bridging the Gap Project: $2 million to address the physical and social barriers created by the Richmond Industrial Track by reconnecting the Fairhill and Kensington neighborhoods.
- Turtle Creek Valley Rail and Road Corridor Study: $800,000 to explore transportation improvements in the Mon Valley, including Braddock and North Braddock, fostering economic development and safety on major corridors.
- Redeveloping the Reading Viaduct: $2 million to transform an abandoned railway into a vibrant, pedestrianized linear park, turning neglected infrastructure into a community asset.
Modernizing Transportation: $20.75 Million
Funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program will deliver two major restoration projects in Western Pennsylvania:
- West Newton Historic Bridge Rehabilitation: $17 million to restore this essential connector in Westmoreland County, addressing critical safety needs and preserving its historic character.
- Connellsville Multimodal Urban Loop: $3.75 million to extend trails and convert an abandoned railway bridge into a park, promoting tourism and active transportation in the Laurel Highlands.
Expanding EV Access: $39 Million
Pennsylvania’s EV charging network is expanding through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program with these three initiatives:
- Philadelphia Community Charging Project: $11.1 million to install up to 200 EV charging ports, prioritizing underserved neighborhoods.
- Allegheny County EV Charging Initiative: $4.1 million to deploy 150 new charging stations, supporting over 1.2 million residents and visitors.
- Lancaster EV Charging Project: $3.1 million to install 74 charging stations in public parking locations, prioritizing disadvantaged communities.
Senator Fetterman played a direct role in securing several of these grants through letters of support to Secretary Buttigieg, advocating for projects in Turtle Creek,Philadelphia’s Kensington and Fairhill neighborhoods, Ridgway, Connellsville, and West Newton. These letters emphasized the urgent need to address aging infrastructure and enhance community connectivity across the Commonwealth.
The $52,372,343 investment secured through these competitive grants will create good-paying jobs, stimulate local businesses, and provide safer, more sustainable transportation options for all Pennsylvanians.
