ALLENSVILLE — Things don’t always go as hoped when applying for project funding, according to Mifflin County’s planning director, James Lettiere.

He explained that Allensville will not receive funding from a state grant they had applied for to improve Main Street.

Lettiere said the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development notified the county that the Multimodal Transportation Grant for the Allensville project was not awarded.

Menno Township had requested $2,506,812 through the Commonwealth Financing Authority Multimodal Transportation Fund for what it called the Allensville Traffic Calming Project on state Route 655.

Allensville lies along State Route 655, which serves as the town’s Main Street corridor. The project aimed to improve safety, multimodal functionality, and the character of Main Street through traffic calming and streetscape upgrades.

Planned improvements included gateway medians to reduce vehicle speeds, crosswalks and expanded sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists, and pedestrian-scale lighting to enhance safety and the corridor’s identity. The project also would have enhanced walkability and supported the local economy by making Allensville a more attractive place to live, work, and visit.

As of Monday, Lettiere confirmed the township plans to apply again for funding through PennDOT for phase 1, which would include only the gateway medians and crosswalks. Cost estimates are being prepared by the township engineer. Future phases could include sidewalk and streetscape improvements, though the number of phases has been revised from four to three.

If funded, the Multimodal grant would have covered extensive construction and site work, including:

• Excavation of 2,500 square yards of roadway and sidewalk infrastructure;

• Placement of 800 tons of #57 stone subbase;

• Installation of 3,100 square yards of 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalks and 210 linear feet of stamped crosswalks with signage;

• Streetscape and safety lighting improvements, including 37 new street lights and 5,600 linear feet of electrical infrastructure;

• Stormwater upgrades with 750 linear feet of new storm sewer infrastructure;

If funded, the Multimodal grant would have covered extensive construction and site work, including:

• Construction of two gateway medians at the entrances to Main Street, including excavation, lane widening, shoulder construction, curbs, paving, pavement markings, and entry signage;

• Relocation of six existing public utilities;

• Engineering services, including full design and construction documentation;

• Grant administration and a 3.7% construction contingency fund.

According to Lettiere, the Commonwealth Financing Authority generally prioritizes smaller projects, with few exceeding $1 million. “They weren’t entertaining any bigger projects,” he said.

One project funded in Mifflin County was the Burnham Borough Veterans Memorial, which received Act 13 money.

Menno Township now has the option to apply for PennDOT Multimodal Transportation funding and phase the project. This would require a 30% local match.

The PennDOT grant application is due by Feb. 13, 2026. Township supervisors have agreed to proceed with phase 1 of the project.