“I was deeply saddened to learn of Jerry Cohon’s passing over the weekend. Jerry served as the President of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for 16 years and our region was transformed during this time—in large part because of his leadership and forward thinking.

“His influence on our region’s economy cannot be understated. Jerry was consistently focused on innovation, attracting talented students from across the world, and he proactively looked for ways to partner with the private and public sectors.

“It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Jim Roddey this evening. Jim helped to usher in the County’s new government in 2000 and served our community in so many ways. From his philanthropic efforts to improving our economic climate, the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and all of Southwestern Pennsylvania was made a better place to work and live because of his public service.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is awarding Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) $11,389,925 in grant funding to support two separate transit improvement projects. The two projects are:

• The next phase of the PRTX University Line Bus Rapid Transit project, which will extend BRT from Oakland to Squirrel Hill, will receive $7,418,343 in funding to support transit stations and rider amenities along Forbes Avenue from Craig Street to Murray Avenue, and the
• Microtransit Pilot Project will receive $3,971,582 in funding to support smaller scale transit solutions in five communities.  

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is awarding the City of Pittsburgh $6,603,495 in grant funding to support three separate pedestrian safety improvements projects. The three separate initiatives are:  

• Brownsville Road Corridor project will receive $3,603,495 in funding to make improvements to traffic signals and enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements;  
• East Ohio Street Safety/Streetscape project will receive $1,500,000 to make improvements to traffic signals and enhance pedestrian safety; and
• East Liberty-Negley Avenue project will receive $1,500,000 to make safety improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is awarding $1,802,060 in grant funding to support two trail projects in Allegheny County. The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC) will receive $1 million to support the expansion of the Panhandle Trail Extension and South Fayette Township will receive $802,060 in funding to make improvements along the Fairview Park Trail Network.

“We are thankful to the SPC for its commitment to trail building throughout our region,” said County Executive Sara Innamorato. “We look forward to working on securing the expansion of the Panhandle trail so that residents and visitors have access to trail systems that contribute to our economy and quality of life.”

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is awarding Bike Share Pittsburgh (dba POGOH) $2,160,000 in grant funding to support bikeshare station expansions, ebikes, and charging stations. POGOH applied for grant funding under its Mobility Justice in Mircomobility initiative. POGOH is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in the Strip District and it operates Pittsburgh’s bikeshare system.

Pittsburgh, PA—The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is awarding Kittanning Borough $500,000 in grant funding to support pedestrian and accessibility improvements for its streetscape project.

“Kittanning’s streetscape project is an ongoing initiative that has been a borough-driven initiative that the county fully supports,” said John Strate, Chair of the Armstrong County Commissioners. “The borough played significant role in our region’s history, and making these kinds of efforts to beautify and revitalize the downtown area for our residents and small business owners is another step in helping to grow the local economy.”

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is awarding Greene County $946,083 in grant funding to support sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements as part of the Waynesburg Commons  Multimodal Improvement Project. This project will make improvements around Commons Park near Waynesburg University safer for students and community residents that utilize the area.   

“The Waynesburg Commons Multimodal Improvement Project will enhance the livelihood of students that attend Waynesburg University and local residents that frequent the park,” said Jared Edgreen, Chairman of the Greene County Commissioners. “This park is a vital part of our community, and we want to ensure that anyone walking in or near it has safe sidewalks to use. We are grateful for SPC’s funding, as it will go a long way to ensuring this project comes to its full fruition.”

Pittsburgh, PA—Today, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Board elected Armstrong County Commissioner Pat Fabian to serve as Chair, Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites to serve as Vice-Chair, and Greene County Commissioner Betsy McClure to serve as Secretary-Treasurer. Commissioners Fabian, Vicites, and McClure were elected by their fellow board members to these positions, and will serve a two-year term.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is awarding the City of Butler $1,545,356 in grant funding to support sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements along downtown Main Street. This project will make improvements to sidewalks and crosswalks, and increase accessibility for both local students and residents. 

“The City of Butler is a vital part of our County’s economy and Main Street is frequented by all County residents,” said Leslie Osche, Chair of the Butler County Commissioners. “This funding will ensure that our sidewalks are safe for not only County residents and visitors, but our local students who use it as a way to get to and from their schools downtown—this project helps to ensure that their safety remains at the forefront of ongoing revitalization efforts.”