Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Grant Submission for the Borough of Etna, PA and Friends of the Riverfront (2024-2025)
Friends of the Riverfront & Borough of Etna
Role: Senior Planner Consultant
Project Description:
Led the development and submission of a $2.2 million USDOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant in partnership with the Borough of Etna and Friends of the Riverfront. The project aimed to enhance multimodal connectivity, implement Complete Streets infrastructure, and drive community revitalization in Etna, Shaler, and Sharpsburg, with a focus on equitable and sustainable solutions.
Work on Project:
Drafted and organized a comprehensive grant proposal addressing the needs of underserved communities while integrating multimodal transportation, community health, and environmental sustainability objectives.
Managed critical project components, including stakeholder engagement, feasibility studies, and cost analysis development, to ensure alignment with grant requirements and community goals.
Collaborated with local leaders, regional partners, and EcoDistrict stakeholders to incorporate existing plans, such as climate change adaptation and equitable development frameworks, into the proposal.
Emphasized health-centered solutions to improve access to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Outcomes:
The grant submission positioned Etna, Shaler, and Sharpsburg as leaders in multimodal infrastructure and sustainable development. By aligning the proposal with existing community-driven plans, the project highlighted the potential for transformative impact, addressing barriers to mobility and equity while advancing regional climate resilience and health equity.
