Issue: Infrastructure

The need for infrastructure investment in our district is obvious, particularly for transportation and wastewater. As your State Representative, Abigail vigorously pursues capital for infrastructure projects and powerfully addresses policies that hinder progress on infrastructure improvements. Her efforts include:

• Questioning Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission officials about the failing Washington Avenue Bridge in Swissvale Borough. The bridge is owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad and the state’s current policy of transferring ownership of the bridge to the municipality is concerning. It only benefits the multibillion-dollar railroad corporations.
• Collaborating to garner more than $2.4 million for wastewater infrastructure in our district including the communities of Braddock, East Pittsburgh, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, and Wilkinsburg. The new funding will allow boroughs across the district and our local water authority to complete critical maintenance and repair projects, so residents and small business owners receive the reliable, uninterrupted service they deserve.
• Assisting in the award of two grants totaling $575,450 from the state Department of Environmental Protection for stormwater improvements in Wilkinsburg and for progress toward more equitable stormwater management throughout Pittsburgh overall. Runoff from municipal parking lots in Wilkinsburg’s business district present stormwater management issues including a high volume of water loading the storm sewer system and sometimes flooding area streets.
• Helping to secure a grant from PA’s Department of Transportation Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program for almost $300,000 to improve traffic signals in the Braddock Avenue corridor of Edgewood Borough. The grant will improve traffic flow and safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians navigating this busy stretch.
• Backing almost $500,000 in Green Light-Go grants for similar traffic signal equipment improvements in Wilkinsburg.
• Aiding in the award of a $75,000 Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund grant to Bike Share Pittsburgh, Inc. for the purchase and installation of three Wilkinsburg bikeshare stations, including three kiosks, 57 docking points and 30 e-bikes.