PHILADELPHIA, July 17 PA-new-Franklin-pkwy
PHILADELPHIA, July 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said that a partnership between the commonwealth, the city of Philadelphia and three foundations will provide nearly $17 million to rehabilitate areas along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway so it can shine as a symbol of the city's natural and artistic beauty.
"The creation of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway was one of the earliest examples of urban renewal in this country," Governor Rendell said. "This investment will help restore it as a tree-lined boulevard that is engaging for pedestrians and bike riders; an appropriate home for some of Philadelphia's most famous landmarks and cultural institutions; and a beautiful focal point for Center City.
"This project is emblematic of the work we are doing across the state to improve natural and cultural assets as the engine for economic revitalization and the competitiveness of our cities," Governor Rendell said.
At an event in Logan Square with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Governor Rendell announced $6.45 million in state funds for the improvement projects. The city will match that with an additional $6.4 million. The William Penn and Knight foundations, and the Pew Charitable Trusts, will provide a combined $4 million.
"These improvements will help make the Benjamin Franklin Parkway one of the premier public spaces in the country, connecting the heart of the business and government district through Logan Square to the artistic center and, finally, to Philadelphia's largest and most beautiful park and the river," Governor Rendell said.
The commonwealth's investment includes $5 million from PennDOT transportation funds, $1 million from the Department of Community and Economic Development's Growing Greener II funds and $450,000 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
The following improvements are expected to occur between 2009 and 2011:
-- Sister Cities Plaza - Use parkway design guidelines for new landscape enhancements to the eastern most section of Logan Square, including new trees, grass, paving, lighting, site furnishings and a possible fountain.
-- 2100 and 2200 blocks of the parkway - Implementation of the Planning Commission/Commerce Department's study of parkway traffic combined with the parkway design guidelines. The project will realign some curbs and replace all materials with new granite curbs, exposed concrete paving with brick edging, new benches, trash receptacles and plantings.
-- Rodin Museum - Landscape and site improvements to the Rodin Museum garden and surrounding areas, including new paths, lighting, benches, trash receptacles and plantings.
-- 1600 and 1700 blocks of the parkway - Implementation of the park commission's parkway design guidelines, including new granite curbs, exposed concrete paving with brick edging, new benches, trash receptacles and plantings.
-- 1800 block south side - Installation of new trees and paving repair.
Philadelphia's mile-long Benjamin Franklin Parkway was constructed from 1917 to 1926. The Parkway is managed by the Fairmount Park Commission and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT:
Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116
Christina Novak (DCNR)
717-772-9101
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
