Ashland receives grant for pedestrian improvements downtown

By Kaylee Lindenmuth

ASHLAND – Announced by State Rep. Neal Goodman and Senator David G. Argall today was a $500,000 state grant for safety improvements in downtown Ashland.

The grant, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund program, will go towards safety improvements including pedestrian controls and a traffic light at intersections downtown. In addition, 12,70 feet of deteriorated curbs will be replaced, and 14 ramps will be brought up to ADA standards.

The upgrades, Council President Ann Marie Groody said in a media release, will make it safe for seniors and people with disabilities who live at the Ashland Hi-Rise to cross the street.

“I want to congratulate Ashland officials, particularly Council President Groody, for putting together such a strong application,” Goodman said. “This is a significant funding award.”

“I commend Ashland borough’s leaders for seeking out support and receiving this substantial grant,” added Argall, R-Schuylkill and Berks. “We are pleased to see the hard work of municipal leaders recognized by the state to make much needed changes for its downtown.”

Groody added this project will continue the improvements to the downtown that started several years ago.

“It’s awesome that Ashland can continue work started previously and to improve our Centre Street,” Groody said.

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