MEDIA, PA — In a significant win for Delaware County, the county will receive a federal grant of $2.5 million to enhance safety and connectivity along Route 291 in the City of Chester. The funding, delivered by U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, and U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, is part of a broader effort to reconnect the city’s residents with employment opportunities along its waterfront and at the Port of Chester.
Route 291, a vital artery in Delaware Valley’s economic landscape, has long been a point of contention. Despite its economic potential, harmful infrastructure decisions have left Chester residents cut off from economic opportunities and compromised their safety. This grant represents a step towards remedying these long-standing issues.
According to Senator Casey, the funding will contribute to creating a safer Chester with accessible employment opportunities for its residents and more avenues for outdoor recreation. Senator Fetterman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the investment would significantly enhance the safety and livability of Route 291 and the City of Chester.
The funding will also facilitate improvements to Chester’s segment of the East Coast Greenway, a walking and biking trail spanning 3,000 miles when completed. This project aligns with the larger mission of enhancing multi-modal transportation, promoting recreational activities, and fostering community wellbeing.
The grant was a result of a concerted advocacy effort by the Senators and Congresswoman on behalf of Delaware County and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Their joint application for federal funding underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in securing resources for community development.
Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer expressed delight at being chosen as the recipient of funding for the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program. She emphasized that improving safety and connectivity along Route 291 is crucial for the health and safety of Chester residents. She also acknowledged the positive impact this grant would have on economic development opportunities along the 291 corridor and the progress toward completing the East Coast Greenway trail in Delco.
The Delaware County Planning Department, which partnered with PennDOT on the grant application, played a pivotal role in securing the funding. The department’s director, Gina Burritt, highlighted the shared investment in the community and the commitment to ensuring safe travel for residents, whether by walking, biking, or by car.
The grant is part of a broader effort to address decades of disinvestment in communities like Chester. As Representative Scanlon pointed out, ensuring that such communities get their fair share from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a top priority.
This funding indeed marks a significant milestone for the City of Chester. It not only promises safer roads and better connectivity but also brings the city one step closer to bridging the economic divide and fostering a more inclusive and vibrant community.
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