Monroeville to withdraw DCNR bridge grant, pivot to expanding Saunders Station parking for Westmoreland Heritage Trail access

Monroeville officials said on Sept. 2 they will seek to withdraw a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grant for a bridge at Valley Park after updated estimates showed the bridge would cost more than initially projected.

A borough official told council the scope and cost of the bridge, if bid and contracted, would exceed $1 million—substantially higher than the roughly $400,000 figure used in the original grant application. Because the state preferred the borough withdraw the existing grant rather than simply amend it, staff recommended submitting a new application focused on improving access to the Westmoreland Heritage Trail by expanding and equipping the existing Saunders Station parking area, which the borough already owns and maintains.

The revised plan discussed at the work session would concentrate parking, trail connectivity and basic user amenities at the existing lot, and take advantage of a nearby water and sewer line to add comfort facilities if the grant supports that work. Officials said concentrating improvements at an existing facility better meets the goal of improving access to the trail while avoiding the unexpectedly high cost of a new bridge at Valley Park.

Council did not vote on the recommendation during the nonvoting citizens-night meeting; staff said they will proceed with the withdrawal letter and pursue a reapplication to DCNR for the revised scope.