Bridgeville officials are continuing to fight for federal money to fix sidewalks on Washington Avenue.

At Monday night's meeting, council received a progress update from someone in the forefront of the campaign, Rep. Tim Murphy (R-18).

Murphy told council members that money to fix sidewalks on the borough's main traffic artery has been filed with a Congressional subcommittee and that he is working with the group to ensure the money is approved.

"We list it as a high priority and want to see that happen," Murphy said.

The funds would be used to fix sidewalks along Washington Avenue that have become damaged after underlying roots from 28 trees shifted and moved the concrete.

They were originally planted by a business committee and had a life expectancy of 10 years.

Almost three decades later, they have caused sidewalks to crack and become uneven.

To fund the costly reconstruction effort, the borough applied for a grant through Murphy's office.

Murphy has requested the project be completed in phases.

The initial effort, from Bower Hill Road to Hickman Street,has an estimated cost of $240,000. Phases also include the south end of Bridgeville and north of Bower Hill Road.

Murphy wants to ensure funding is included in an appropriations bill.

He said President Bush most likely would not authorize payment for any project not specified in a bill.

If funding is approved, borough officials would solicit input from business owners to help formulate a plan.

Murphy said he has also been working to address flooding issues in Chartiers Creek following damages caused by Hurricane Ivan in Sept. 2004.

This summer, the Army Corps of Engineers will begin to move sediment out of the creek, which snakes its way through Bridgeville, Collier, Heidelberg and Carnegie.

"This is extremely important to safety," Murphy said.