An approval in Congress last week is good news for economic development in the communities of Carnegie, Scott and Heidelberg.

The three municipalities are one signature away from receiving $2.4 million for a redevelopment project that has been in the works for the past two years.

After President George W. Bush signs on the dotted line, the initiative instituted by Congressman Tim Murphy's office (R-18), will use federal funding to help eliminate blight in the three communities.

After the municipalities applied for joint funding, an initial budget for the project was drawn up in August 2006, and town meetings began in September 2006.

Carnegie Borough manager Stephen Vincenti said the key concept is for a particular route, which links the three areas, to become an urban boulevard.

Hometown amenities include benches, planters, lampposts and new concrete sidewalks.

"I think it's going to be exciting. It's a stepping stone toward future economic development and the growth of commercial business along the streets there," Vincenti said.

"Our key thing that we need to do now is work with the property owners along there. They're excited."

The allotted funding will beautify the area from the traffic light at Third Street and West Main in Carnegie, across Chartiers Creek through Carothers Avenue in the Glendale section of Scott, to Route 50 in Heidelberg.

"We're hoping this is the stimulus to bring Carothers Avenue some businesses back," said Scott Township manager Denise Fitzgerald.

"The street is essentially the only street some neighboring community residents see in Scott Township. We're proposing to improve the lighting and the general atmosphere of this area."

The bulk of the money will be used for Duquesne Light to remove both overhead wiring/light poles, and Comcast and Verizon will re-route communications wiring underground to make the area more aesthetically presentable.

Improvements are also a plus functionally because safety hazards will be reduced for tractor trailers passing through the area.

"Part of the grant will go toward bridge-mounted lighting and concrete bollards and steel posts," Vincenti said.

The upgrades will include graffiti-resistant surfaces and other heavier materials that help with the consequences of truck traffic, which will make maintenance easier.

"Being a center point between the airport and city, and at the crossroads of two interstate highways, these communities have so much to offer," Murphy said.

"With the help of the entire community, there will be a renewed focus on business development and improving the areas where people live, work, and shop."