Plans for a $2.4 million streetscape initiative in Heidelberg, Scott and Carnegie can begin moving forward thanks to receipt of federal money.

A ceremonial check presentation was held Aug. 25 for the funds, which will come out of a federal Transportation Bill. The communities will receive contracts from the state Department of Transportation.

Though the specifics are not worked out, the project will cover Route 50 in Heidelberg between First and Third streets, Carothers Avenue in Scott and Third Avenue in Carnegie.

The largest portion of the money will go to Scott.

Past discussions have included using the money to repair infrastructure, relocate utility lines and provide secure lighting, as well as adding amenities such as benches and planters to make the three communities more attractive.

In addition, the Port Authority and the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation are working with the communities to spur transit-oriented development and put into place revitalization blueprints.

Scott Manager Denise Fitzgerald said the next step is to work out program details with Duquesne Light Co. Replacing aged utility poles, many of which are crooked and damaged, with underground utilities is a possible option.

In a separate matter but one that affects the three communities as well as nine others located near Chartiers Creek and Robinson Run, U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, led officials last month on a tour of a $4.5 million project recently completed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove sediment from Chartiers Creek and Robinson Run.