The region's key planning agency has recommended that the state Transportation Commission include five Westmoreland County projects in PennDOT's next 12-year funding program.
At its last regular meeting, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission recommended that two other projects in the county, totaling more than $3.2 million, also be funded through other sources by the state.
The state transportation panel votes on the 12-year plan in April, said Doug Smith, a transportation planner for the southwestern group.
The commission consists of five representatives from 10 counties and Pittsburgh, many of them elected officials.
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"These projects will mean significant improvements to our county, and we certainly appreciate the support of the SPC," said county Commissioner Tom Ceraso, a member of the regional commission.
The five projects total nearly $2.13 million in funding.
They are:
$390,540 for Latrobe Safe Routes to School projects that include a new sidewalk and pedestrian crossing between Ligonier and Jefferson streets, near Latrobe Elementary School.
$552,000 for Westmoreland Heritage Trail to complete a nearly 2.5-mile section of the trail in Loyalhanna and Salem townships.
$138,000 for Train Center Visitor Center in West Newton to complete lighting, walkways and parking work.
$272,500 for construction of a Lincoln Highway Welcome Center in Ligonier Township.
$776,250 to complete 11 miles of the Five Star Trail Extension between Youngwood and Scottdale.
The two other projects that the commission said should be funded involve the Greensburg and Irwin streetscape programs, both downtown beautification efforts.
A total $1.2 million is required for the Greensburg project and $1.96 million for the Irwin project.
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