PA Growing Greener boosts Main Street renewal

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH

HAWLEY, PA — Improving quality of life, especially for pedestrians, is the principle underlying three sizeable state grants that were delivered to boroughs in northeastern Pennsylvania last week.

On behalf of Gov. Ed Rendell, Larry King, deputy secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), visited Hawley Borough on February 11 to award more than $1 million in Home Town Streets aid for projects in Hawley, Milford and Matamoras.

Hawley Mayor Ann Morgan accepted a ceremonial check for $575,000, money that will be used to enhance Hawley’s Main Street with new sidewalks, street lighting, trees and curbs.

Milford Borough Council representative Mary Ann Monte accepted a check for $350,000, money that will fund phase five of the Milford Streetscape Enhancement Project, which includes bluestone sidewalks, pedestrian lights, benches, shade trees and other landscaping.

And, Matamoras Borough Council member Bob Potenza accepted a check for $175,000, money that will be used to revitalize Pennsylvania Avenue (U.S. Routes 6 and 209) with new sidewalks, curbs, trees and pedestrian lighting.

“This is right on point with the types of bricks-and-mortar improvements that lead to a new vision for Pennsylvania,” King said. “This is about the texture and quality of life in our communities.”

PennDOT Enhancement Coordinator April Hannon said designs for the projects are being finalized, and that construction will likely begin in summer 2006.

State Representative Jerry Birmelin attended the ceremony and stressed the potential for these projects to attract visitors to the boroughs’ downtown business districts.

Gov. Rendell announced the four-year, $200 million Home Town Streets and Safe Routes to Schools program in his 2004 budget address to the legislature. The program, part of the governor’s Growing Greener initiative, encourages reinvestment in the state’s downtowns and the development of safe walking routes for children to commute to school.

So far, $128 million has been awarded to fund 225 projects statewide.

“Better sidewalks, improved street lighting and restored neighborhoods send the message that we’re rebuilding a better Pennsylvania,” King said.