The Allegheny County Ways and Means Committee on July 16 authorized county staff to apply for Pro Housing Supply Funds to support sewer infrastructure for a proposed development on the Gateway Corridor, including a package sewage treatment plant to serve a planned Department of Public Works (DPW) facility and an adjacent housing development.
Carissa, a county staff member, told the committee the application is a time-sensitive opportunity and that the corridor under discussion runs from the “S curves” near the DPW site to the crossroads at State Route 19 and County Route 20, near the Quickley’s Bridal property. She said a private landowner is interested in housing, the county has secured a water-tower grant, and sewer infrastructure discussions are underway.
Carissa said the total project estimate is “a little over $6,900,000” and the grant requires a 50% match. She explained the package plant that would serve the DPW facility represents roughly half of the required match, which could make the county’s existing plans for the DPW facility count toward the local share. She said federal grants already applied for and the county’s economic development fund balance could be options to meet the match, or the county could finance the remainder.
On timing, Carissa said the county would learn whether it was awarded the funds this year, the DPW construction timeline runs through 2027, and the housing developer would likely begin construction in 2027. She also said a sewer district must be established prior to starting construction and that the county has been working with the water and sewer council on the issue.
A legislator asked whether the housing would need to be all-electric; Carissa replied she believed that decision would rest with the private developer and noted potential changes from pending clean-energy legislation. The committee moved and approved the authorization to apply for the grant.
The committee’s authorization is to submit the application; awards and subsequent financing decisions remain contingent on successful grant application and further approvals.