Donations spurred from project to aid local organizations

Pittsburgh, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Allegheny County and City of Pittsburgh officials announced charitable contributions to two Hill District organizations stemming from the I-579 CAP project in Pittsburgh.

In late November the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) awarded the I-579 CAP project the national grand prize in the 2022 America’s Transportation Awards competition. The award includes a $10,000 cash prize to support a charity or transportation-related scholarship. Multiple stakeholders involved in the project and community raised an additional $63,000 that will be donated to Ozanam Inc. and ACH Clear Pathways located in the Hill District.

“This project shows what transportation can be at its best,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “I’m so proud that we received the America’s Transportation Award, and that we’re able to pay it forward to organizations making a real difference in this community.”

In the 1950s, homes and businesses in Pittsburgh's Lower Hill District neighborhood were demolished to construct the Civic Arena and other developments. During that time, Interstate 579 was built, creating a “concrete canyon” of tall retaining walls and noisy interstate traffic, separating the Hill District from Downtown. In 2012, the Civic Arena was demolished. As part of the vision for this area, reconnecting this neighborhood to the downtown core became a priority. The I-579 Cap bridges the interstate with a new, three-acre green space and restores the long-lost direct link to the economic opportunities and amenities of downtown Pittsburgh.   

The $29 million project rejoined downtown Pittsburgh with the Hill District by constructing a 52,000 square foot “cap” structure over Interstate 579. Once completed, the project created a three-acre green space which became the Frankie Mae Pace Park. The park features pedestrian pathways, bicycle routes, rain gardens for stormwater management, and design elements from neighborhood artists.

“The 579 CAP Project not only reconnected critical communities but it was the ultimate testament to collaboration among many diverse team members and organizations,” said District 11 Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni.  “Learning and listening throughout the project development process allowed the team to blend community needs, complex engineering designs and a very restrictive construction site to create a sustainable and impactful regional facility.”

The following organizations provided charitable donations in addition to the AASHTO $10,000 grand prize award:

• Allegheny County;
• Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation;
• F.N.B Corporation;
• HDR, Inc;.
• S&B USA Construction;
• Michael Baker International;
• SAI Consulting Engineers;
• Monaloh Basin Engineers;
• AGES Engineering, LLC; and
• Collective Efforts, LLC.

“We are extremely fortunate in this community to have so many organizations that work together and step up to support efforts and initiatives, and this is no exception,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to make the monetary award received from AASHTO even more impactful to our region.”

Ozanam, Inc. is based in Pittsburgh and its mission is to help the boys and girls of Western Pennsylvania develop into responsible young adults through positive developmental training, including educational programming, athletic competition, social and cultural activities and exchanges and academic support services. ACH Clear Pathways located in the Hill District, provides youth and family with visual and performing arts programming and serves as an artistic hub by providing artists and community a place to thrive.

"We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of our neighbors who came together to support these organizations that provide fantastic opportunities for kids in the Hill," said Chief of Staff Jake Wheatley. "Investments in our kids and connecting them to the arts, sports, and STEM is an investment into the future of our city. One day soon these kids will be designing the next major project that helps make Pittsburgh more welcoming and inclusive for everyone." 

This project is an excellent example of multi-organizational collaboration with sponsorship from the Sports and Exhibition Authority, funding from the Federal Highway Administration, construction oversight by PennDOT, and the City of Pittsburgh owning and maintaining the park.

For more information about PennDOT is improving mobility and quality of life in Pennsylvania, please visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Steve Cowan, 412-334-5436

# # #