Published: April 08, 2009 10:23 pm      

Portage seeks Main Street grant

PORTAGE — Borough leaders are seeking funds needed to receive a grant to improve the business district.

Borough Council agreed this week to seek a $5,000 grant from the Portage Regional Endowment Fund, an initiative aimed at civic improvement projects in the community.

If approved, the grant would be a small part of an estimated $70,000 needed to fund design of an extensive streetscape project to beautify much of Main Street.

The borough has for the past few years attempted unsuccessfully to tap into PennDOT transportation enhancement money, a statewide initiative that funds projects not directly involving bridges or highways.

While the project is getting good reviews at PennDOT’s central office in this latest funding round, its score may be be significantly improved if a final design is completed, said Gary Wisor of Stiffler McGraw & Associates of Duncansville, borough engineers.

“If the final design was done, it helps your situation,” Wisor told council.

Borough Manager Bob Koban said the borough had paid for a preliminary design.

“We need to take it to the next level; those cost estimates are over three years old,” Koban said.

Council agreed to contact the Cambria County Planning Commission seeking support from the Johnstown Metropolitan Planning Organization, which recommends projects to the state Transportation Commission.

Borough leaders want to develop a tree program, new street lighting and other amenities that they hope will attract business.