PennDOT Awards Transportation Economic Recovery Project for State Street Improvement in Parkesburg Borough

This announcement from PennDOT hit the web this morning.  There are several bottom lines not mentioned in the announcement:

1. Parkesburg gets $637,132 TARP dollars. $637,132.  Let me say it again: $ 6-3-7,-1-3-2 Wow! Even the most ardent Republican should mouth a heartfelt one time "thank you" to President Obama and the American people for help with this key project.

2. The project will be done by Atglen based J. D. Ekmann meaning all $637,132 will stay in the local economy and generate local jobs.

3. Parkesburg Borough Council led by President Mel Keen, Mayor John Hagan and Borough Manager Jim Thomas worked hard to make this project happen.  And lets not forget the work of recently retired Council President David Jones.  Kudos to the entire leadership team.

4.  Parkesburg continues to get better.  Next up; Sidewalks on 1st Avenue and Main Street. And lets not forget the West Bridge Street bridge.

	01/15/2010-KING OF PRUSSIA
	PennDOT District 6 today announced the award of a $637,132 transportation economic recovery project to remove an old bridge abutment and connect two streets to improve travel and aesthetics in Parkesburg Borough, Chester County. J.D. Eckman, Inc. of Atglen, Chester County, was awarded the federally-funded contract to completely remove a bridge abutment, partially remove another bridge abutment and to lower the profile of State Street to create an at-grade intersection with Front Street. By removing the old railroad bridge abutments that were built in the 1880s and connecting State and Front streets, this project will enhance travel in the borough, remove deteriorating structures that are a visual eyesore, and return the streets to a pedestrian-friendly condition. Construction is expected to start in February and finish in July 2010. In the five-county Philadelphia region, PennDOT is investing $255 million of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on 30 transportation projects, which include road and bridge improvements, Intelligent Transportation System installations, traffic signal upgrades, multi-use trails, and curb ramp replacements. PennDOT has awarded 26 transportation economic recovery projects in the five-county Philadelphia region and 20 projects are in construction. To learn more about how the federal economic recovery program will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov. PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.