Fattah Announces TIGER Grant Funding to Redevelop Schuylkill River Bridge
Part of a new $10.2 million funding award from the Department of Transportation will go to support the refurbishment of an abandoned railroad bridge over the Schuylkill to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $10.265 million to Philadelphia to support the "Closing the Gaps Project," a three-pronged initiative that includes converting an abandoned railroad bridge over the Schuylkill River into a pedestrian and bike-friendly trail.
The competitive award is part of DOT's TIGER VII (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant funding.
"I am a proud partner in the continued efforts to make Philadelphia the most bike-friendly city in the country and am especially pleased to have helped bring additional funding to the city that will complete a vital link of our river trail," Congressman Fattah said. "This new TIGER grant funding is instrumental in continuing the expansion and development of the Schuylkill River Trail that runs through my district. Without the help of Congressman Brady, and the support of Congressman Boyle, these efforts would not have been possible. Philadelphia is now a leader in creating sustainable pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure that offers access to both our bustling downtown and the recreational activities along the riverfront."
The Congressman has long supported the development of the Schuylkill River Trail, and was responsible for securing the initial federal funds that saw the project become a reality. The new phase—supported by $3.265 million from the overall TIGER funding to Philadelphia—will connect the existing trail to Bartram's Gardens and adjacent communities across the river.
Other funds awarded to Philadelphia through this TIGER grant will support the creation of a pedestrian and traffic friendly streetscape on American Street, and the restoration of continuous access to Westmoreland Street through the removal of a hazardous footbridge and the construction of a new multi-purpose road and bridge.
Since the Department of Transportation launched the competitive TIGER grants in 2010, Congressman Fattah has been a forceful advocate in helping Philadelphia to successfully secure an award in all seven rounds of funding. Earlier TIGER grants helped support the Dilworth Park renovation, the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, infrastructure improvements to the Wayne Junction Substation, a master plan for Roosevelt Boulevard, and other transit infrastructure projects.
SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah
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