Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is announcing that Pennsylvania will receive $70 million from the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Discretionary Grant Program for two projects in Philadelphia and Schuylkill Counties. The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority will be awarded $49 million to construct a new approximately 1,056 linear foot multi-use berth that will be used to accommodate roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessels. Additionally, The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will be awarded $21,012,220 for a project in Schuylkill County to make a series of improvements on a segment of PA 61, a four-lane north/south principal arterial roadway consisting of bifurcated northbound/southbound travel lanes.
“I am pleased that the transportation systems in our communities will receive a combined total of $70 million in INFRA grants to support these critical improvements in public safety. I will continue to advocate for and work to ensure robust investment in Pennsylvania’s roads, bridges and transportation hubs,” said Senator Casey.
“Pennsylvania is immensely grateful that the Biden Administration has recognized the importance of these projects not only for the necessary safety improvements but for the commonwealth’s economic recovery,” said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. “When completed, both projects will provide additional efficiencies to our roadways and waterways as well as job opportunities for Pennsylvanians by breathing new life into communities across the commonwealth.”
Philadelphia’s Regional Port Authority project also includes the dredging for the new berth. Currently, RO/RO vessels calling at the Port of Philadelphia must dock at either the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal or Pier 122. This project will make it possible for the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal to handle additional containerships and would allow for Pier 122 to handle bulk cargo.
The project in Schuylkill County will reconstruct an approximately 4.5-mile section of PA 61, including reconstructing the pavement, widening the shoulders, slope stabilization, realignment of substandard curves, installation of approximately 1,100 feet of new retaining walls and the rehabilitation of eight culverts and two bridges.
