The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, on behalf of the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, assisted the borough of Coaldale in securing a $423,442 ARC grant for the Coaldale Rural Hospital Pedestrian Facilities & Klines Hill Road Project.

NEPA Alliance assisted in preparation of the grant and recommended the project to PA DCED and ARC for approval. The goal of this project was to reconstruct a local access road to add additional transportation amenities for pedestrians and transit access. The project will strengthen links between transportation networks and community development by assisting St. Luke’s Health System accommodate over 100 new jobs at the site.

The $423,442 federal grant will ensure that Pennsylvania’s businesses, residents and visitors will have a safe and efficient highway system to promote global commerce and provide safe travel throughout the region. The project will narrow the roadway to reduce speeds, construct a pedestrian walking route and construct a transit bus shelter.

“We are growing and are excited to work with Coaldale Borough, NEPA and the Appalachian Regional Commission to improve access to our small, rural hospital. This project is so important as more people are coming from all over northeastern Pennsylvania for St. Luke’s Miners Campus’ nationally recognized care and highly engaged clinical teams,” said Wendy Lazo, president of St. Luke’s Miners Campus.

“Coaldale Borough supports the expansion of jobs at St. Luke’s, and this access road will help grow more employment and services in our community. We are glad the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance are partnering with us to make this access road project happen.” Coaldale council Vice President Claire Remington said.

The construction is expected in 2021.

“NEPA Alliance is proud to have assisted with this important transportation initiative in Coaldale Borough, Schuylkill County. We are also appreciative of Congressman Dan Meuser’s support for the important federal funding for the Appalachian Regional Commission,” said Jeffrey Box, president and CEO of NEPA Alliance.