HARRISBURG – Funding to address a major transportation and safety concern in Mount Union Borough has been approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) under the Multimodal Transportation Fund. A grant of $500,000 has been awarded to the borough to replace the retaining wall along Pennsylvania Avenue Linear Park, according to Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair/Fulton/Cumberland/Franklin/Huntingdon), who both advocated strongly for the funding.
“This area of Mount Union has been the centerpiece of discussions for this community as long as I can remember,” said Irvin. “Failure of the existing wall has been causing partial road closures and safety concerns, along with a negative impact on residents and businesses in the area. Once the new wall is erected, safety, economic and transportation issues will be resolved.”
The funding will be used to excavate the failed wall; install a newly designed wall, sidewalks, curbing, stormwater piping and sewer manholes; and reconstruct the roadway.
“The failing wall presented a serious threat to motorists resulting in the closure of PA Avenue and has been an ongoing source of frustration for community residents,” Ward said. “I am extremely grateful that this funding will help address the situation, create a safer transportation network locally, and reconnect the neighborhoods within the community.”
Once the wall is complete, it is anticipated the project will provide improved transportation and access to businesses and the opportunity for economic improvement in the Riverside Business Park.
“This is the No. 1 priority for the Mount Union community at this time and I am pleased the CFA moved quickly to approve this needed funding,” said Irvin.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth.