State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, recently announced $320,000 in funding for a trailhead improvement project in Whitehall Township.

This is one of 43 projects aimed at improving transportation alternatives and enhancing mobility and public accessibility across the state to receive funding through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Today’s announcement is great news for Whitehall Township,” McNeill said. “I’m grateful for this investment and always welcome opportunities allowing money returned to our area. The Ironton Rail Trail is very popular, and there’s no doubt that this funding will provide improvements and add much-needed space for welcoming additional visitors.”

The trailhead expansion project will include the expansion of the parking area to double the vehicle capacity from 36 to 72 spaces, the paving of the entire 72-space parking area and constructing stormwater management improvements, including a bioretention rain garden.

McNeill said the program funds projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving nondriver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation, trails that serve a transportation purpose and safe routes to school projects.

The Biden administration awarded $54.1 million to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program Set-Aside or Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside. Before the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, only $18 million would have been available to the state to fund 21 other projects.

According to the state Transportation Department, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to fund the TA Set-Aside through 2026.