Engineers delivering updated numbers told Munhall Borough councilors at the Aug. 12 workshop that the Main Street revitalization project now carries a preliminary estimate of about $2.2 million, leaving the borough roughly $1 million short of the identified budget.

Why it matters: Main Street improvements are a visible capital project intended to upgrade sidewalks, lighting, electrical infrastructure and streetscape. The new estimate increases the urgency of grant applications and raises questions about phasing and sequencing to avoid rework.

Staff reported that electrical infrastructure accounted for most of the increase in the estimate. Borough staff said they plan to apply to the state Main Street program and to the gaming economic development fund (GEDF) to close the gap. Councilors discussed starting construction on the less electrical-intensive streetscape elements so work appears complete in phases, but cautioned that doing concrete or paving before electrical installation could require tearing up new work later.

One councilor suggested ordering streetscape elements (benches, planters, trash receptacles) in bulk to have them ready for installation as sections are completed. Staff estimated they had approximately $1.1 million already on hand for the project and said they would seek additional grant awards before committing to the higher-cost electrical work. No formal appropriation vote was taken at the workshop.

Ending: Staff will pursue the Main Street and GEDF grant rounds, present phase and sequencing options in the next meeting and return with updated bids and a proposed implementation timeline.