
Allegheny County, PA – January 22, 2025 – The Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments (TCVCOG) and Steel Rivers Council of Governments (SRCOG) are proud to announce they have been awarded a $800,000 Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This critical funding will support an initial feasibility study, alternatives analysis, and conceptual design process to reconnect five historic communities in the Monongahela and Turtle Creek Valleys: Braddock, North Braddock, East Pittsburgh, Turtle Creek, and Wilmerding.
Located just ten miles east of downtown Pittsburgh, these boroughs are working together to begin an in-depth, data-driven exploration of how to overcome key infrastructure barriers that have limited access to critical services and economic opportunities for their residents. This initiative will start to restore critical connections lost over decades of disinvestment, focusing on improving mobility through the combined Pennsylvania State Route 130 (PA-130)/Braddock Ave corridor and the Norfolk Southern (NS) and Union Railroad (URR) rail lines that currently divide the communities from east to west.
This collaborative effort is part of a broader regional strategy to revitalize the area and create a more connected and thriving future for the residents of the Monongahela and Turtle Creek Valleys.
“The Valleys are home to more than just industry,” said Amanda Settelmaier, Executive Director of the Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments. “The people of our communities deserve things like roads and pedestrian bridges to be built to support their health and economic mobility. What’s also important is that these infrastructure improvements are paired with long-term solutions such as revitalized zoning, land use policies, and housing development strategies to ensure future growth is equitable and sustainable.”
The proposed improvements are a direct result of comprehensive planning efforts and feasibility studies completed by local communities in recent years. “These studies highlight the need for a holistic approach that balances transportation, design, and community development to correct the legacy of past urban policies. Community stakeholders will be engaged throughout the planning process, ensuring that solutions reflect the needs and aspirations of local residents” said Lisa Franklin Robinson, President of North Braddock Borough Council.
This successful grant award was made possible with the support of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Municipal Project Hub, a regional technical assistance organization helping to maximize investments in our communities, close local capacity gaps, and catalyze shared regional success.
“This award illustrates the value of multi-municipal collaborations and the ongoing commitment of the Steel Rivers and Turtle Creek Council of Governments to bring lasting sustainable change to the Monongahela Valley,” said Megan Zeigler, CEO for the SWPA Municipal Project Hub. “By bridging the divides created by outdated infrastructure, we are not only reconnecting our municipalities but also revitalizing their shared future. Together, this project proves that collaboration and unified vision can pave the way for equitable growth and economic opportunity.”
About TCVCOG and SRCOG
Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments (TCVCOG) is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 to assist its members with cooperative efforts and to implement efficient, cost-effective programs. TCVCOG’s mission is to facilitate collaboration, programs, and services that strengthen the connections between our member communities and the region. Our vision is to foster safe, inclusive, and sustainable communities in which all residents are welcomed and valued; and to serve as the good government model for our region.
Steel Rivers Council of Governments (SRCOG) is a non-profit organization supporting 19 municipalities in the Mon Valley region of Allegheny County. It offers numerous services to help our members maintain and improve their communities in the short-term, while collaboratively developing dynamic strategies to tackle long-term regional problems. SRCOG members include: Braddock Hills, Clairton, Dravosburg, Duquesne, Elizabeth, Forward, Glassport, Homestead, Liberty, Lincoln, McKeesport, Munhall, Port Vue, South Versailles, Versailles, West Elizabeth, West Homestead, Whitaker, and White Oak.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Settelmaier
Executive Director, TCVCOG
Email: asett@tcvcog.com
An Lewis
Executive Director, SRCOG
Email: al@steelriverscog.org