HARRISBURG – Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-187) today announced a state grant totaling nearly $541,000 has been awarded to replace the bridge along Buckery Road in Heidelberg Township through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
The bridge spanning Jordan Creek on Buckrey Road was severely damaged by Tropical Storm Isaias and has been closed to residents since 2020. The damage to the bridge is causing debris and sediment to fall into Jordan Creek, which supplies drinking water for downstream communities.
“This grant fully funds the necessary bridge work without any cost being passed along to taxpayers. Instead, gaming proceeds will pay for the replacement. Access will be restored for residents and the quality of the water below will no longer be compromised. This is great news, and I’m glad I could advocate for the funding to make it happen,” Coleman said.
The project will construct a new bridge, pave the new bridge, and include guiderails, stream diversion, grading, site restoration, erosion and sediment control.
“For more than four years, township residents have been forced to detour around the bridge. The detour has also negatively impacted school bus routes and caused delays in emergency response times,” said Mackenzie. “In addition, the deteriorating bridge continues to pollute the creek with sediment and debris, affecting its status as a high-quality, cold-water fishery. I am pleased this project can finally move forward with help from Harrisburg.”
The CFA is an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.
The grant was awarded through the CFA’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program, which funds projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development using gaming money generated by casinos.
CONTACT: Robert Arena, (Coleman’s office), 484-861-4964
Andy Briggs, (Mackenzie’s office), 717-260-6474