EASTON, Pa. — Easton has gotten more than $83,000 from the state to improve a downtown intersection.
The funds will improve the intersection of Pearl and Bushkill streets.
The money comes from $51 million in funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund the Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Monday to support 66 transportation projects across 32 counties in Pennsylvania.
The projects will improve safety and reliable transportation for highway, bridge, aviation, port, and bike and pedestrian initiatives, the state said.
Two projects in Lehigh County got a combined $3,096,367.
Coplay got $1 million for "pedestrian safety and traffic improvements to the main arteries in the borough," according to a release.
In Schnecksville, King's Business Park was awarded $2,096,367.
That will go toward removing Route 873 traffic signals at Route 309 and Schneck Road, installing a roundabout, stormwater management and pedestrian crossing improvements.
Only three other county projects throughout the state — in Allegheny, Bedford and Lackawanna counties — were awarded more than $2 million.
Local politicians praise funding
State Rep. Bob Freeman commended Shapiro and PennDOT for the Easton investment.
“It’s always a benefit for drivers and pedestrians when roads are made safer, and Easton was lucky to earn these state dollars from the very competitive Multimodal Transportation Fund,” Freeman said.
“I would like to thank the governor and PennDOT for approving this grant for Easton.”
In an email, State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, said she's "thrilled" about the Coplay grant.
“It’s not every day that our district is fortunate enough to receive a $1 million grant," McNeill said. "But the drivers and pedestrians moving through Coplay will benefit from today’s announcement.
“I would like to thank the governor and PennDOT for recognizing how important this project is for our area.”
Last year, only one project in Northampton County was selected for the Multimodal Transportation Fund, amounting to $283,500 for an emergency preemption traffic signal in Bethlehem.
'Critical to Commonwealth's progress'
PennDOT evaluated project applications and made selections based on safety benefits, regional economic conditions, technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency and operational sustainability, Shapiro’s office stated.
"These improvements will help our communities grow as we continue working together to move Pennsylvania forward.”Gov. Josh Shapiro
“Infrastructure is critical to our Commonwealth’s progress, and our ability to complete major projects is key to spurring economic growth and create real opportunity,” Shapiro said in a release.
“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.”
Several projects also will help local governments address bridges and roadways in need of repair or replacement.
By investing in and prioritizing transportation projects, the Shapiro administration said it aims to create “a more prosperous and connected future for all Pennsylvanians.”
New application under way
State Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll said that "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.
“These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”State Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll
“These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”
PennDOT will begin accepting applications for the next round of funding under the Multimodal Transportation Fund starting at 8 a.m. Sept. 23.
Applications will be due by 4 p.m. Nov. 5, with grant recipients expected to be announced next year. Funds will be made available in July.
Shapiro’s office said the 2024-25 bipartisan budget signed last month allocates $80.5 million to repair roads and bridges and continues to sustainably fund State Police by reducing their reliance on the Motor License Fund.
Ultimately, that drives an additional $125 million for road and bridge projects annually over the next four years.
As a result of that investment, the Shapiro administration has repaired 74 bridges in 2023 and initiated 161 bridge projects in the first half of 2024.
