City gets federal funds for park-and-ride site

The area should be operational by the end of summer, an official said.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The New Castle Transit Authority is one step closer to providing the city's first park-and-ride area.
The authority received notice Tuesday that the city has secured federal funding for the project.
"We're on our way with this and I don't see any problems," said Leonard Lastoria, NCTA director. "All of the paperwork has been done and we're just waiting for city council's final approval. I think we should be up and running by the end of summer."
The transit authority is looking to provide a park-and-ride area at the corner of Croton Avenue and Washington Street. Patrons will be able to park at the site for free and access transit routes. The transit authority has several routes throughout the city and four daily runs to Pittsburgh.
The transit authority presented its plans to the public during a recent meeting on the matter. Lastoria said the city intends to provide 180 parking spots at the site.
Background
He said the transit authority began planning the project about four years ago and started putting the proposal to paper two years ago. The city has closed several alleys in the area and approved preliminary plans. Those plans include the construction of the parking area, several benches, surveillance cameras and a building for drivers and staff. Lastoria said $1.5 million for the $2 million is to be provided by federal funding, and the remainder will be paid for with state money. He said there will be no cost to the city or to Lawrence County.
Lastoria expects to hire contractors within the next few months and for construction to begin in the summer.
"We have to bid the project, but the design work is done," he said. "Once construction starts, I don't think it will take too long to get up and running.
"It's something the city needs and I think it will be a great service," Lastoria continued. "I'm glad we've been able to get as far as we have and to get everything in place."