Philadelphia, June 08 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that the City of Philadelphia has advertised its first Streets Department project funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA). The City is looking forward to competitive bids on the milling and resurfacing of approximately 23 miles of the Federal Aid street routes throughout the City, and replacement or upgrade to current ADA standards of approximately 1500 curb cut ramps. Based on estimates developed by the President’s Council of Economic Advisors this project could be expected to create 160 jobs.
“Philadelphia is open for Reinvestment and Recovery Act business,” said Mayor Nutter. “The investment in our City streets that we advertise today will create jobs and literally build a better Philadelphia,” said Mayor Nutter.
Construction funding is a combination of $12.7 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds (100% fed.,) and $2 million of previously programmed Federal and City funds (80% fed 20% city). Another ARRA funded project will be put out for bids later this summer is for similar work in Center City. These projects were selected because they meet criteria for investment on federal aid roads and the stringent ready-to-go standards set out by the Act.
Congressman Fattah said, “The streets project is a win-win for Philadelphians. The millions that will be poured into the local economy from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will not only provide much needed jobs when so many in our city are out of work but it will also improve travel by literally ‘smoothing the way’ for area commuters.”
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is strengthening our communities and building the economy. This investment in Philadelphia’s street infrastructure both saves money and creates good paying jobs,” said Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.
“This is another example of how President Obama is working hand in hand with Congress and local governments to ensure that the stimulus funding is utilized to provide funding for improvements to our infrastructure. This stimulus money translates to the creation of 160 jobs as well as two dozen miles of street repaving and vitally needed curbs cuts to ensure the safety of the disabled. This funding is vital and it will improve the quality of life for everybody in the city,” said Congressman Bob Brady.
“I am happy that recovery funds are being allocated so quickly to benefit Philadelphia and other cities and towns across the state,” said Senator Casey. “This funding will improve Philadelphia’s roads and create economic growth in the region.”
Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilties Rina Cutler noted that this project could not be initiated this year without the passage of the ARRA and will be in addition to the Streets Department previously scheduled paving program. Shovels will be in ground to work on ADA ramps late this summer and paving will occur next spring. In total the City of Philadelphia will be repaving approximately 110 miles of streets between April and December 2009.
All Recovery Act opportunities will be posted on the Philadelphia Recovery website: www.phila.gov/recovery.
