New Kensington, Arnold get $575K for transportation projects

New Kensington will have to scale back plans for transportation projects in the city’s downtown after getting a fraction of the money it requested from the state, a city official said Thursday.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority announced Wednesday that New Kensington will receive $375,000. The authority approved more than $48 million in funding for transportation projects in 45 counties.

Neighboring Arnold will receive $200,000.

New Kensington City Clerk Dennis Scarpiniti said the city had asked for $3 million for several transportation-related projects, including a transportation hub, work on the city’s parking garage, sidewalks, and crosswalk and bicycle lane markings.

Scarpiniti said the city appreciates the money it is getting, but added, “Since it was only partially funded, we have to look at the scope of the project and pare that down. It’s just a small portion of what we asked for.”

Scarpiniti said the city may focus the money on sidewalk improvements in the Fifth Avenue corridor. City council will make the final decision.

“We have to sit down with the engineer and do some more cost determining,” he said.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority received 363 applications asking for $403 million, with $48 million available in the program fund, said Casey Smith, spokesman for the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Some of New Kensington’s original request included items ineligible for funding, he said.

“Like many programs, these programs are incredibly in demand and the board reviews many worthy projects, and has to make very difficult decisions,” Smith said.

New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo thanked state Sen. Jim Brewster for helping the city secure funding it did receive.

“We are very grateful for being chosen for this grant,” Guzzo said. “We will need to reduce the scope of the project, and we will determine what … we will be able to work on. I’m sure we’ll be able to accomplish a great deal with this money and make some excellent improvements for our downtown.”

Arnold will pave streets

In Arnold, the $200,000 the city received will go toward improvements on Rankin Street between Constitution Boulevard and Woodmont Avenue. Work will include resurfacing the road, installing curb ramps and replacing sidewalks that are in poor condition.

Mayor Joe Bia said the funding will allow the city to pave two roads, the other being Richmond Street.

“I’m extremely excited and proud of the work that our staff has done getting this grant submitted,” Bia said. “This adds to our continued commitment to the citizens to make the city a great place to live.”