How to Stay Safe When Driving in Severe Weather Conditions
On September 23, we officially welcomed in the fall season! While our region is home to many nearby spots that enable us to view the beautiful autumn foliage, we also receive our fair share of rainy and damp weather this time of year.

That is why we are debuting the third video in our Safe Driving Video series this month. This video provides drivers with practical tips on how they can stay safe should they encounter roads that are flooded.

For additional tips on how to stay safe when driving during severe weather conditions, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's online library--it is
jam-packed full of resources.
Future Funding Opportunities
PennDOT will accept applications for the FY24/25 Multimodal Transportation Fund starting at 8 a.m. on Sept. 25 through 4 p.m. on Nov. 13. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. As the region’s MPO, we will provide comment on these applications, and encourage prospective applicants to meet with our team members and their respective PennDOT District office to discuss scope during project development. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications for its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) program through Oct. 10. The SMART program was established to provide grants ($100 million in total annually) to eligible public sector agencies to conduct demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and systems that improve transportation efficiency and safety. Eligible projects include coordinated automation, connected vehicles, systems integration, and innovative aviation. Applicants can find more examples of projects, FY22 SMART awards, and other resources here.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is accepting applications through Oct. 10 for its Transit-Oriented Development Pilot program. This program provides funding for an eligible transit project for which the project sponsor seeks funding through FTA’s Capital Investment Grants program. Grants are available to assist with financing comprehensive or site-specific planning. This year, applications with a substantial focus on affordable housing may receive up to 100 percent of federal support. Applicants can find a helpful presentation, examples of past projects, FAQs, and previous awards here.

As part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is accepting applications for its Electric Vehicle Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program through Nov. 13. Ten percent of NEVI Formula Program is set-aside to make grants available to states and localities that require additional assistance to strategically deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure. To make the current EV charging network more reliable, the first round of funding made available will focus on repairing or replacing non-operational EV chargers. You can find a map of these eligible stations here.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Thriving Communities Program (TCP) is currently accepting applications. The TCP aims to ensure that disadvantaged communities adversely or disproportionately impacted by environmental, climate, and human health policy outcomes have the technical tools and organizational capacity to compete for federal aid and deliver quality infrastructure projects that enable their communities and neighborhoods to thrive. The call for Letters of Interest (LOI) from communities seeking support from the program is open until Nov. 15, while the NOFO for Capacity Builders is open until Nov. 28. Applicants can find examples of projects and previous awards here.

If your government entity or organization is interested in pursuing funding under these grants or other opportunities and has questions or requests for letters of support, please contact Lillian Gabreski. Lillian is our Manager of Sponsored Programs Development and she can be reached at [email protected]
ICYMI: News We're Paying Attention To
Butler Eagle: Commissioner Osche honored with Stan Kosciuszko Leadership Excellence Award

New Castle News: Frye gives update on paving, street lights in city

Pittsburgh Union-Progress: Pittsburgh Regional Transit looking for feedback on proposed Mon Valley bus stop changes

Observer-Reporter: Contract awarded for Mon River Locks and Dam 3 removal

PA Environmental Digest: PennDOT To Hold 6 Regional Outreach Sessions On Electric Vehicle Charging And How EVs Can Best Fit In Your Community

Robotics 24/7: Engage with the Future of Robotics and AI at Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day

The Leader Times: More areas included in 'environmental justice' proposal

Robotics 24/7: Engage with the Future of Robotics and AI at Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day

WESA-FM: Mobile ticketing is live across PRT’s entire system

Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh wins millions in ‘smart’ energy infrastructure funding

The Leader Times: Manor Township supervisor presents awards to township employees

Pittsburgh Union-Progress: Pittsburgh Regional Transit riders can now pay fares across all modes with their phone

WESA-FM: Pittsburgh adds traffic-calming measures to connect Three Rivers Trail and Riverview Park
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Events
in Our Region
The Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities 2023 Odyssey Day will take place on Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This event will be held at CCAC's West Hills Center (1000 McKee Road, Oakdale, PA 15071). It will feature a fully day of educational sessions, and vehicle demonstrations on alternative fuels and clean transportation technologies. If you or your organization are interested in attending click here.

PennDOT will host a series of
community conversations about electric vehicles (EVs) throughout the state
later this fall. Representatives from PennDOT will be on hand to talk about the
state's EV initiatives and funding opportunities. We will host the agency's community
conversation event for the Southwestern region at our new office in The Terminal. It will take place from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 8. For more information and to register click here. 
Pittsburgh Robotics Network will host its annual Discovery Day on Nov. 16 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  This is an initiative led by the Pittsburgh Robotics Network in partnership with our organization and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. This event is supported by the Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative as part of a $62.7 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The event is free and open to the public and will showcase the cutting-edge robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. For more information and to register click here

Interested in Joining Our Team?
Our organization is currently accepting applications for two full-time positions, a Transportation Planner/Development Associate and a Transportation Demand Coordinator.

As a Transportation Planner/Development Associate, you will be responsible for the research and development of discretionary funding applications for local, state and federal programs to advance the priorities of the region. For additional responsibilities and how to apply click here.

As a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Coordinator, you will be responsible for supporting, developing, and implementing our TDM program by performing outreach to employers, educational institutions, and the general public by providing information about TDM strategies and alternate modes of transportation. For additional responsibilities and how to apply click here.

We offer competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and FSA insurance (medical insurance premium is paid by us for yourself and your dependents)
  • Flexible hybrid work schedule
  • Modern office environment (we are located in The Terminal, in the heart of the Strip District)
  • Vacation time, sick time and personal leave
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • 7 percent automatic monthly contribution to your pension after three years
This e-newsletter is provided as a service to all SPC members. Please send any comments or suggestions to [email protected]