State Senator Ray Musto reports state approval for three transportation projects in his district.

The State Transportation Commission has okayed projects for Wilkes-Barre, Ashley and Hazleton, according to the legislator. The projects come under the 1998-1999 Transportation Enhancements Program. Funding is 80-percent federal and 20 percent non-federal under the program.

The Ashley Planes Historic Park will receive $1 million in federal funds for the pedestrian and bicycle trail at the Ashley Planes Heritage Trail and Conservation Area.

Sponsored by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, the project will include cultural, historical and environmental interpretation at the site.

In Hazleton, for the Hazleton Gateway project, $90,000 was approved for landscaping and scenic beautification at state routes 924 and 93 entrance to the Greater Hazleton area. The Mountain Council of Governments is project sponsor.

In Wilkes-Barre, in a city-sponsored project, $25,000 will be used for a trail opportunity plan. This will include the development of a master plan for potential pedestrian and bicycle trails within and adjacent to Wilkes-Barre City.

The program comes under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, or TEA-21. Under this popular program, Pennsylvania will receive approximately $125 million in enhancements funding during the six-year life of TEA-21.

During this cycle, a total $47.8 million was approved for 76 projects.

For more information contact Mike Cotter @ 570-654-1483 or mcotter@dem.pasen.gov