State Representative Rob Matzie has announced that the Monaca Gateway Project has been awarded a $1 million grant to improve Pennsylvania Avenue in town…The grant will be used to build motorist and pedestrian improvements between 13th and 16th Streets, including signal upgrades at 14th Street, and the creation of a right-turn lane for eastbound traffic to improve traffic flow. Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak spoke with Monaca borough manager Mario Leone, who had this reaction to the news…

Also included in the project is repairing and upgrading sidewalks and improvements of the streetscape, including better lighting, the addition of plants, bicycle racks and storm water upgrades. Leone tells Septak that the goal is not just to increase accessibility but also to increase pedestrian safety…

Septak asked Leone how soon construction will begin on the project…

The grant was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through its Multimodal Transportation Fund. The fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure safe transportation is available to all Pennsylvania residents.

And there’s more good news out of Monaca….Monaca Borough recently received the SUSTAINABLE PITTSBURGH award for a small municipality . The borough was the top scorer in their division for 2018-19, according to Leone. Mayor Simon Short, Neighborhood Service officer, Nick Vorrias, and Leone attended the award presentation on Thursday at PNC Park’s Jim Beam Club.  Leone says the group received a trophy and recognition accepted by Vorrias…

Special thanks to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano for contributing information and photos for this report.

(Photos taken By Sandy Giordano)