The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission is awarding Butler $1,545,356 in grant funding to support sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements along downtown Main Street. This project will make improvements to sidewalks and crosswalks, and increase accessibility for both local students and residents.

“The City of Butler is a vital part of our county’s economy and Main Street is frequented by all county residents,” said Leslie Osche, chairwoman of the Butler County Commissioners. “This funding will ensure that our sidewalks are safe for not only county residents and visitors, but our local students who use it as a way to get to and from their schools downtown. This project helps to ensure that their safety remains at the forefront of ongoing revitalization efforts.”

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission recently completed the selection process for its discretionary competitive grant program, which selects certain projects in the region to receive federal funding. The organization has a selection committee that reviews grant applications submitted from counties and municipalities within its coverage area.

“The city is vibrant and we have so much to look forward to,” said Mayor Bob Dandoy. “We are very fortunate to work closely with our county commissioners, and Joe Saeler from the Butler County Community Development Corporation.”

Dandoy said Saeler played an instrumental throughout the grant application process.

“When we all work together towards a common goal, our students, residents, and business community will reap the benefits,” Dandoy said.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission receives funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation that it can award to improvement projects which in three areas: Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program, Carbon Reduction program and the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside program.

“Awarding this grant to the city of Butler so that it can increase pedestrian safety for its local residents and students is one of the ways that the (Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission) works to make that happen,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “Students need to be kept safe on their way to and from school and when we are able to play a role in ensuring that happens — we are living up to our commitment to serve and support our region.”