Altoona Times

HOLLIDAYSBURG – A $400,000 grant announced today will help community stakeholders build a pedestrian crossover over rail lines splitting Canal Basin Park from Hollidaysburg borough, according to Rep. Jim Gregory (R-Blair). The Multimodal Transportation Fund grant supports planning for the $3.2 million project, which is designed to make Hollidaysburg more walkable and safer for pedestrians. The bridge will ultimately be linked to the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.

“Our municipal and community partners will leverage this sizable grant when applying for other revenue sources. It is a great way to build momentum for the project, so we’re very excited by this announcement,” said Steve McKnight, of Blair County Alliance for Economic Growth.

Hollidaysburg Borough Council President Sean Burke looks forward to the pedestrian crossover providing a connection between businesses on Allegheny and Bedford streets. “We need a safe way for people to walk to the most popular shops and restaurants,” Burke said. “This pedestrian bridge will greatly benefit not only our residents, but also tourists coming to the region. Hollidaysburg is thankful for Rep. Gregory’s advocacy for this plan.”

Multimodal Transportation Fund grants distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority may be used for the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of transportation assets. Other projects awarded multimodal grants include: $500,000 for DeGol Industrial Center to install rail lines and upgrade facilities in Frankstown Township, Blair County; and $350,000 for Franklin Township, Huntingdon County, to replace Graysville Cemetery Road over Spruce Creek.