HARRISBURG – Seeking to enhance both tourism and the economy, Rep. Tedd Nesbit (R-Mercer/Butler) and Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50th District) today announced that a PennDOT grant of more than a half-million dollars will continue the development of a multimodal trail connecting the Route 208 corridor in Springfield Township, Mercer County.
“The Route 208 corridor has so much potential and a trail connecting a future park, hotels and commercial enterprises helps that growth,” said Nesbit. “That area of the township attracts regional, out-of-state and even out-of-country travelers. With these enhancements, we will be able to strengthen our economy while also investing in both recreational and tourism-related activities.”
Specifically, the grant of $574,920 will fund the second phase of a multimodal trail along State Route 208 connecting multiple land uses, including the municipal building, future township park, the airport, and numerous hotels and commercial developments.
“Inter-connectivity helps provide access for families, not only to local businesses, but also to recreation,” said Brooks. “I look forward to continuing to work with our local partners to help our area remain vibrant and growing.”
The grant program seeks to improve transportation alternatives and enhance mobility and public accessibility across the Commonwealth. Specifically, the grants invest in projects and activities defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities; infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility community improvement activities, and environmental mitigation; trails that serve a transportation purpose; and safe routes to school projects.
PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, reasonableness of cost, readiness for implementation, statewide or regional significance, integration of land use and transportation decision making, collaboration with stakeholders, and leverage of other projects or funding.