Allegheny County grants target conservation efforts in O’Hara, Shaler, other communities
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A deteriorating stormwater line in O’Hara will be replaced with a natural open channel thanks in part to a grant from Allegheny County.
The township was among three local groups to share in more than $795,000 distributed through the county’s Gaming Economic Development and Tourism grants program.
The projects include:
- $245,248 to the Allegheny Land Trust to buy four Millvale properties for the Girty’s Woods Conservation Project.
- $450,000 to the Zoological Society of Pittsburgh to rebuild the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium parking lot and front entrance.
- $100,000 to O’Hara to help pay for the Powers Runs pollutant reduction plan.
O’Hara Engineer Chuck Steinert said the county money will allow the township to begin the stream restoration project.
“The existing stormwater pipe in the area is 48 inches in diameter and has been deteriorating over the past 10 years,” Steinert said. “It has damaged the sanitary sewer lines in the area numerous times, requiring emergency repairs that have been costly.”
Work is expected to eliminate the pipe and result in a natural open channel. Steinert said the township is pursuing an ALCOSAN GROW grant to build an underground holding tank to prevent wet weather overflows.
In neighboring Millvale, Shaler and Reserve, the Girty’s Woods project is expected to expand green space for Lower Valley residents through the acquisition by Allegheny Land Trust of a 155-acre parcel easily accessed from Etna, Sharpsburg and O’Hara.
The cost is about $723,000, and a closing date is targeted for spring.
“We are just so excited about this project as it is a once-in-multiple-generations opportunity to save a beautiful forest that provides so many stormwater, air quality and recreational benefits for our community,” said community leader Brian Wolovich.
“It is also a much-needed opportunity for everyone to work together for a better future during a challenging time.”
The nonprofit land trust hopes to preserve the space while providing outdoor recreation for residents and also tackling future air quality and water challenges.
Shielded from development, the land will absorb millions of gallons of rainwater that could overwhelm Girty’s Run watershed.
On the property, a network of trails, fields and wetlands sit within three miles from more than 100,000 people who live in densely populated municipalities. The property slopes down from Reserve, past the southern tip of Shaler to the streets of Millvale.
It is 0.7 miles from the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and boasts views of the Pittsburgh skyline.
Allegheny Land Trust President Chris Beichner said his group is energized by the grant and said it joins donations from passionate residents who have also buoyed the grassroots effort.
“This funding helps us maintain the momentum needed to protect this special green space for generations to come,” Beichner said.