WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant boost to the City of Chester’s infrastructure, U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, along with U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, announced on Tuesday a federal funding package of $2.5 million. The funds are intended for designing safety improvements along Route 291 in Chester and reestablishing a connection between city residents and employment opportunities along its waterfront and at the Port of Chester.
The funding will also enhance Chester’s segment of the East Coast Greenway, a project that, once completed, will span an impressive 3,000 miles, offering a continuous walking and biking trail from Maine to Florida. This financial backing comes after Senators Casey and Fetterman, along with Congresswoman Scanlon, advocated for Delaware County and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) joint application for federal funding.
“This funding is a critical step towards righting a wrong that has left Chester residents both cut off from economic opportunities and endangered their safety,” stated Senator Casey. He highlighted how Route 291 has been a vital artery for economic growth in the Delaware Valley, but harmful infrastructure decisions have prevented Chester families and businesses from reaping these benefits.
Senator Fetterman echoed these sentiments, emphasizing, “Ensuring that our streets are safe and walkable is critical to making our communities more livable.” He further pointed out that the funding represents a significant investment in forgotten communities like Chester, which he pledged to support during his election campaign.
Congresswoman Scanlon added, “As funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to flow into our region, one of my top priorities is ensuring that communities like Chester, which has suffered decades of disinvestment, get their fair share.”
Local leaders have also expressed their elation over this funding. Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer said, “This grant will help us improve safety and connectivity along 291 in the city of Chester, which is vital to the health and safety of our residents.” She also acknowledged the potential positive impact on economic development opportunities along the 291 corridor and progress toward completing the East Coast Greenway trail in Delaware County.
Delaware County Planning Department Director Gina Burritt highlighted the collaborative effort with PennDOT in securing the grant, emphasizing the shared investment in the community. She expressed hope that the funding would ensure safe travel for Chester residents, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Program, created by the Inflation Reduction Act. This program is designed to rectify past decisions that have led to unequal access and opportunities in communities across the country.
The significance of this funding goes beyond mere infrastructure improvement. It represents a commitment to righting historical wrongs and ensuring that all communities have equal access to economic opportunities. The enhancements to Route 291 and the East Coast Greenway will not only make Chester safer but will also reconnect it to its waterfront, boosting the local economy and improving quality of life for its residents.
This project sets a promising precedent for future infrastructure initiatives in Pennsylvania and beyond.
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