Hazleton area municipalities get $1.1M for road improvements

HAZLETON – Hazleton and two area municipalities are getting some state help to improve roads, and they’re the only such grants awarded in our area.

The grants come from the Multimodal Transportation Fund. $51 Million was awarded for 66 projects statewide.

Just over $1.1 Million was awarded for projects in Hazleton, Hazle Township, and Kline Township.

“Infrastructure is critical to our Commonwealth’s progress, and our ability to complete major projects is key to spurring economic growth and creating real opportunity,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Investing in and improving our infrastructure is a commonsense way to spur economic development, create jobs, and help Pennsylvanians reach their destinations safely and efficiently. These improvements will help our communities grow as we continue working together to move Pennsylvania forward.”

The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides financial assistance to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities. By improving transportation assets, this program seeks to enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization.

“Whether we’re making roadways more accessible to all modes of travel or creating new connections for businesses investing in our communities, transportation is integral to our quality of life,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These projects will bring long-lasting improvements across the state.”

PennDOT evaluated the applications and made selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability.

Locally, the only projects to receive grants were in the Hazleton area. Only one grant was awarded in Schuylkill County — to Kline Township — and none were awarded in Columbia or Northumberland.

In Kline, the township is receiving $216,022 to resurface, restripe, and trim branches over residential and commercial roadways in the township.

The City of Hazleton was awarded $300,000 to improve two blocks of Alter Street with concrete curbing, sidewalks, curb ramps, and reinforcement.

Hazle Township receives $610,171 to mill and pave Commerce Drive, as well as install new signage, sidewalks, traffic control and ADA improvements, and concrete curbs.

Schuylkill County

Kline Township Supervisors – $216,022 to resurface, restripe, and trim branches over residential and commercial roadways in the township.

Hazle Township – $610,171 for milling, paving, concrete curb replacement, line painting, new signage, sidewalks, traffic control and ADA improvements to Commerce Drive.

City of Hazelton – $300,000 to improve two blocks of Alter Street with new concrete curbing, sidewalk, curb ramps, and reinforcement.

On September 23, at 8:00am, PennDOT will begin accepting applications for the next round of funding for grants under the Multimodal Transportation Fund. Applications are due by 4:00pm on November 5. PennDOT expects to announce grant recipients next year for funding that will be available in July 2025.

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