Grants will be used to improve pedestrian safety and add needed space to the Fire Department’s garage…

State Senator Jay Costa and State Representative Joe McAndrew both announced that Oakmont Borough will receive $70,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund and Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department (Station 216)will receive $100,000 from the Statewide Local Share Account Grants.

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. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development.

For Oakmont Borough, the $70,000 award will be used for pedestrian improvements on Hulton Road at 9th Street and along 9th Street. This intersection is the primary intersection that parents and elementary school children use to walk to the 10th Street Elementary School. Improvements include updated electronic warning signs, updated school zone warning signs and improved roadway markings.

The Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) Grant, authorized by the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 2004-71), provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support projects in the public interest and improve the quality of life of the citizens of the community. Eligible projects must be owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.

For the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department, the $100,000 award will help defray the costs incurred for some building demolition and construction of additional space to the Department’s garage in order to house the new ladder truck.