PITTSBURGH — The state awarded Pittsburgh more than $3 million in grant money for infrastructure projects, and part off it is going toward the construction of a much-needed Department of Public Works building in Knoxville.
The city closed the old public works building in 2017 after it was found to be structurally deficient, and announced plans to build a new facility on the same spot.
Years later, the critically needed facility that housed salt trucks still isn’t built, after several delays.
Councilman Anthony Coghill told Channel 11 he pushed for the new facility, calling it a safety issue.
He pointed out that salt trucks that used to be stationed in Knoxville have to come from much farther away, which takes time, especially in treacherous conditions with traffic.
Residents in Brookline, Carrick, Overbrook and Beechview complained for years that it takes too long to clear streets after a snowfall.
The grant money will help cover construction costs of the $3.2 million project.
Channel 11 talked with Maria Montaño, press secretary for Mayor Ed Gainey.
“Now that we’re in the process of finalizing and getting work on that much-needed project, this additional $250,000 is going to be a tremendous help for us to complete that project,” she said.
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