Bridgeport Receives $192K Grant To Build Trail, Extend Sidewalks

BRIDGEPORT, PA — Bridgeport has received a significant grant from the county that will improve walkability in the borough.

The Memorial Park Sidewalk Extension and Walking Trail Project is one of 15 initiatives around Montgomery County to receive funding from the latest round of Montco 2040 Implementation Grants, which support sustainability countywide.

Bridgeport borough will receive a $192,800 to assist with the project, which will install a new sidewalk along Grove Street from Union Avenue to 9th Street, improving access to Memorial Park and Bridgeport Elementary School.

"A walking trail connecting the new sidewalk to the existing track atop Memorial Park will also be constructed, offering residents a relaxing amenity to complement the active recreation within the borough’s largest park," the county said in their project description.

All told the county disbursed $2.25 million, with 15 out 27 applications receiving funding. Projects were evaluated by the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners based on several factors, including impact, consistency with local and county future plans, project readiness, and compatibility with sustainability goals which aim to make the county more walkable and bikeable.

The Montco 2040 program has awarded $7.5 million in grants to similar projects since the program was initiated in 2016.