Learn How to Stay Safe While You are Driving this Summer |
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more fatal vehicle accidents that occur during the summer months than at any other time throughout the year. The NHTSA found from 2018 to 2021, the number of fatal vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania increased by 15 percent. Driving in a safe and responsible manner must be a priority for anyone that operates a vehicle, especially during certain seasonal weather conditions that our region is known for.
With the recent hot temperatures, humidity, torrential rain, and flash flood warnings that our region has experienced, we wanted to make sure drivers have the tools they need to avoid dangerous situations like hydroplaning. That is why we are debuting the first of six videos from our Safe Driving Video Campaign.
Our initiative will feature brief videos that provide drivers with practical tips on how they can safely operate their vehicle. Click here or the image above to watch our first video. After you've finished watching, please feel free to share it with your colleagues and friends! The more informed all of us are, the safer our roads will be.
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Prioritizing Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
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Earlier this month, our organization submitted a project request to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary roadway safety grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the SS4A as a discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funding to be distributed over five years.
This program helps communities both plan and carry out projects that reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on highways, streets, and roads.
If we are granted this funding, it will be used to develop a Vision Zero Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (SAP) for Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh. Once implemented, it would serve as a pilot program for the completion of SAPs in the rest of our coverage area.
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Conducting Public Outreach in Support of Our Region's Long-Range Transportation Plan |
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Recently, our Commission voted to adopt the updates to SmartMoves for a Changing Region, our region's Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
The adoption of the LRTP came after a month-long public comment period where we hosted 11 meetings in our coverage area including in the City of Pittsburgh, as well as Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Westmoreland, and Washington counties. Seven meetings were held in-person and four were virtual.
As the designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO), we are responsible for leading our ten county region's long-term transportation and infrastructure planning. Our Commission first adopted the current LRTP in 2019 which included over $35 billion of priority projects for the next 25 years. Because the LRTP is a living and breathing document, we make regular updates to it every four years to ensure that is reflects the current needs of our changing region.
From May 11 to June 9, members of the public were encouraged to attend our meetings and submit their comments and suggestions to us on what initiatives they would like to see adjusted or incorporated in the LRTP. We created social media toolkits and proactively reached out to local media outlets, as ways to generate awareness about the public comment period. In total, more than 230 participants attended our meetings, and we received well over 100 comments from members of public. Engaging directly with the public and receiving their comments is vitally important because the LRTP starts and ends with what needs their communities have. Every member of the public that submitted comments to us received an individualized response from a member of our Transportation team. Visit our website to read the LRTP or learn how you can become an active member of our region's planning process.
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Is Your Organization in Need of Funding?
Check Out These Grant Opportunities
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The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) new Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program is accepting applications until August 1, 2023. This pilot program funds activities that make roads safer, prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions, and improve habitat connectivity.
The Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program, which supports projects that improve the resilience of surface transportation systems, including highways, public transportation, pedestrian facilities, ports, and intercity passenger rail, is currently accepting applications. Applications are due by August 18, 2023. FHWA encourages prospective applicants to use this checklist when preparing their application.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is accepting applications until August 21 for funding through the Rural, INFRA, and Mega grants under a single application titled the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant (MPDG) program. DOT is accepting applications for up to $5.57 billion in funding for projects of regional or national significance. This funding supports three major discretionary grant programs that involve surface transportation projects designed to strengthen supply chains, spur economic development, and improve safety and daily life. Applications are due by August 21, 2023. Prospective applicants can find the NOFO, Frequently Asked Questions, and other helpful resources here.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is accepting applications through September 28, 2023 for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program. This streamlined program, which combines two different programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, will make it easier to submit an application and increase opportunity for communities that seek funding for projects which address harm from past infrastructure planning decisions, accelerate equitable community revitalization, and improve access to everyday destinations The deadline for applications is September 28th, 2023, Applicants may find the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods NOFO, Frequently Asked Questions, and other helpful resources here.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center recently announced the availability of community capacity-building funding to support the WalkWorks Program for select communities in Pennsylvania. The grants help low-capacity municipalities with the steps needed to apply for funding to develop active transportation plans. These plans help communities prioritize projects that improve walking, biking, wheelchair access, and public transit. Applications for this grant program are due by Friday, July 28, 2023.
If your organization is interested in pursuing grant funding under these opportunities or wants information on how to request our support for your grant application, please contact Lillian Gabreski. Lillian is our Manager of Sponsored Programs Development and she can be reached at [email protected].
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Take a Look at our New Office! |
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Earlier this month, we moved into our new office. We are located on the first floor of The Terminal, one of our region's most iconic and historic landmarks. This new office is our organization's symbolic commitment to Southwestern Pennsylvania, as we celebrate our historic roots while forging a path that propels this region forward. If you find yourself in the Strip District, make sure to stop by and say hello!
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ICYMI: News We're Paying Attention To |
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WPXI-TV: VIDEO: Pittsburgh bikeshare nonprofit installing stations, expanding into new neighborhoods
Tribune-Review: Route 30 upgrades, bridge projects among $1.1B in Westmoreland work through 2050
The Daily Courier: Fayette spotlighted during Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission meeting
Tribune-Review: PennDOT announces detours, shuttle service for 6-week closure of New Kensington Bridge
Tribune-Review: PennDOT secretary, Pittsburgh officials call for transit funding during budget impasse
Post-Gazette: Jill Biden lauded her husband for 'strengthening communities like Pittsburgh' in a visit to the area
WESA-FM: Pittsburgh is gearing up to fix the Charles Anderson Bridge, construction slated to start in 2024
Butler Eagle: SPC to host virtual meeting on county infrastructure projects
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Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Event |
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PENNVEST will hold a one-hour virtual webinar on Monday, August 7. It is open to any municipality, authority, utility operator, or any entity that is searching for ways to finance drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, or non-point source pollution mitigation projects. This webinar will be hosted by Brendan Linton, Region 1 Project Specialist, at the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. If you want to participate in it or have questions, Brendan can be reached at [email protected].
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This e-newsletter is provided as a service to all SPC members. Please send any comments or suggestions to [email protected]
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