Senator Costa Announces Funding for Transportation Projects in Pittsburgh, Swissvale and Churchill

Pittsburgh, Pa. − May 29, 2019 − Senator Jay Costa, Jr. today announced state funding for transportation projects in the 43rd senatorial district, paid for by the Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) program.

The ARLE program aims to improve safety at intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue. Under state law, grant funding is supplied by fines from red light violations at 30 intersections in Philadelphia. The law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion can be considered for funding. Municipalities submitted 134 applications, totaling almost $38 million in requests.

“I recommended three intersections in my district because I’ve heard from constituents, and seen myself, that they were not as safe as they could be,” said Senator Costa. “Upgrading the traffic signals, improving pedestrian accommodations, and updating these intersections overall will make them safer for drivers, walkers and cyclists.”

The three projects include:

  • Churchill Borough – $107,000 to upgrade traffic signal controllers, install battery backup systems, and new LED traffic signal heads at three intersections.
  • City of Pittsburgh – $165,000 to upgrade the traffic signal at intersection of Bigelow Boulevard and Bayard Street with new traffic signal supports, LED signal heads, full pedestrian accommodations and detection system.
  • Swissvale Borough – $60,000 to upgrade traffic signal heads and the traffic signal controller, and to install a battery backup system at the intersection of South Braddock Avenue and Waverly Street/Edgewood Avenue.

Projects were selected by an eight-member committee based on criteria such as benefits and effectiveness, cost, local and regional impact, and cost sharing. This investment brings the total dollars awarded through the ARLE funding program to $78.49 million, funding 416 safety projects since 2010.

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Senator Costa Applauds Supreme Court Ruling, Calls for Continued Work on Health Care Access

Pittsburgh, Pa. − May 28, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. expressed hopefulness at today’s ruling from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the case of Commonwealth vs. UPMC.

In a 4-3 decision, the Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case back to the Commonwealth Court.

“I am pleased to report that the PA Supreme Court reversed and remanded the Commonwealth Court’s decision on the UPMC contract case back to the Commonwealth Court.

The Commonwealth Court will now have a hearing, consistent with this ruling. 

Today’s decision doesn’t extend the June deadline for the UPMC-Highmark contract, but it continues this important conversation on health care access in Western Pennsylvania and the entire Commonwealth by requiring the Commonwealth Court to expeditiously determine whether the consent decree may be extended beyond June 30, 2019.

I was proud to sign onto an amicus brief in support of AG Josh Shapiro’s case, along with many of my colleagues in the PA Senate Democratic Caucus. 

We’ll continue work on a legislative solution, but I’m heartened by the Supreme Court’s decision today.”

-Senator Costa