LEWISTOWN — Mifflin County is moving forward with several transportation improvement projects, including the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant, Electric Avenue sidewalk upgrades and a proposed trail connection from Victory Park to the Stone Arch Bridge.

Planning Director James Lettiere told county officials that the county has entered into an agreement with Michael Baker International for the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program.

As part of the process, Lettiere said a committee has been formed to help guide development of the overall safety plan. The group includes representatives from PennDOT, SEDA-COG, Lewistown Borough, the county planning department and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center WalkWorks program. Lettiere said he would also like two members of the county planning committee to serve on the group.

The County Transportation Advisory Committee is expected to meet for about one hour each month over the next 15 months.

Lettiere also provided an update on the county’s application for a PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside grant for improvements along Electric Avenue. The project includes plans for sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks throughout the corridor.

The proposal prioritizes continuous 5-foot sidewalks to create safer pedestrian access connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses and the regional hospital. Lettiere said alternative solutions would be considered in areas where physical space limits sidewalk construction.

Mifflin County is seeking a $1.45 million grant for Phase 1 of the project, which would cover the eastern portion of Electric Avenue to Logan Boulevard. Phase 2 would address the western portion of the corridor. The full project is estimated to cost about $2.6 million.

Lettiere said the county expects to hear whether it will receive the grant later this month or by May.

The county is also continuing efforts to expand its walking trail system through Lewistown, with plans to potentially connect Victory Park to the Stone Arch Bridge.

Lettiere said he is working with Lewistown Borough Council to address concerns about how the proposed trail could affect nearby recreational areas.

“Some are worried we are taking part of their ballfield and interfering with the ballfield activities, which is not the case, as the path will go behind the ball field and there is plenty of room for the 10-foot-wide trail,” Lettiere said.

He added that borough council also raised concerns about locating the trailhead near the sewage treatment plant, particularly if the facility needs future expansion.

In other business, Lettiere said the county’s public emergency services director will be the guest speaker at next month’s meeting to discuss the department’s role and the recent accident at the reservoir.