Laurel Highlands Today

Mar. 26, 2024 - HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Bedford/Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland) have announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved nearly $1.1 million in grants for three Somerset County projects.

Metzgar emphasized the importance of transportation, stating, "Safe, effective transportation is crucial to everyday life." Stefano also highlighted the significance of the projects, mentioning, "Sidewalk and bridge repairs are important projects that keep our communities in good working order as we all want them to be so we can enjoy the areas in which we live and work."

The grants awarded include $244,801 for the repair of the Lower Humbert Covered Bridge in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, $491,401 for the construction of sidewalks and crosswalks along Ohio Street in the Borough of Boswell, and $300,000 for the final phase of sidewalk restoration along Main Street in Somerset Borough.

Expressing gratitude for the funding, Somerset County Commissioner Irv Kimmel stated, "We would like to thank Rep. Metzgar for securing this money for the restoration and maintenance project of one of our historic bridges." Commissioner Brian Fochtman also thanked the representatives, saying, "Thank you very much for securing these funds and relieving the financial burden for the county."

The funding stems from the Multimodal Transportation Fund under the Commonwealth Financing Authority, aiming to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable transportation system in Pennsylvania.

This allocation of funds marks a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure and promoting community well-being in Somerset County.