Leaders Announce Almost $15 Million Investment to Replace Versailles Avenue Viaduct in McKeesport
McKeesport, PA – Federal, state, and local leaders gathered today at the closed Versailles Avenue Viaduct in McKeesport to announce a $14.75 million investment to replace it and restore a critical connection for thousands of residents and commuters.
The nearly 300-foot-long bridge has been closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic since February 2022 after an inspection determined it was no longer safe. The closure has been an ongoing concern for residents, impacting access to key destinations, including the Carnegie Library of McKeesport, Twin Rivers Elementary-Middle School, McKeesport Little Theater, and other Sixth Ward locations. Many residents have described the bridge as an important connection between neighborhoods, with detours adding significant travel time and creating safety concerns along alternative routes.
The project will replace the existing bridge with a modern single-span structure and upgraded sidewalks to improve safety and accessibility. The approximately $14.75 million project is advancing through design, with key federal and state approvals expected later this year. Pending final design, utility, and right-of-way clearance, construction is anticipated to begin thereafter.
“This project represents progress for McKeesport residents who have been dealing with the impacts of this closure for too long,” said Senator Nick Pisciottano. “We’ve heard the concerns from the community, and today’s announcement shows that we are moving forward with a plan to restore this critical connection.”
Mayor Tom Maglicco emphasized the importance of the project to the local community, noting the daily challenges caused by the closure and the need to reconnect neighborhoods.
“The Versailles Avenue Viaduct is not just a structure, it is a connection between neighbors,” said McKeesport Mayor Tom Maglicco. “It represents access, opportunity, and unity. This is how people get to work, how families stay connected, and how communities grow stronger together. This is what revitalization looks like. This is what progress feels like. And this is just the beginning for McKeesport. We’re building more than bridges, we’re building a stronger McKeesport together.”
Congresswoman Summer Lee highlighted the role of federal partnership in advancing infrastructure investments that directly impact the daily lives of residents.
“Delivering federal dollars back home is one of the most important parts of this job,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee. “That is why I fought to secure nearly $1 million for the McKeesport-Versailles Viaduct project and the replacement of the Versailles Avenue Bridge. This project is about safety, connection, and making sure people in McKeesport can get where they need to go reliably every day. For too long, our communities have been forced to live with the consequences of disinvestment and neglect. This funding is a reminder that McKeesport matters, the Mon Valley matters, and the people who live and work here are worth investing in. I will keep fighting to bring resources home and make sure our communities always get the support they deserve.”
Representative Dan Goughnour emphasized the importance of the project in strengthening connections and building confidence in McKeesport’s future.
“Today is about something bigger than a bridge,” said Representative Dan Goughnour. “It’s about connection, safety, and the future of our community here in McKeesport. This project means safer travel, reliable access for our students and first responders, stronger connections for local businesses, and renewed confidence that McKeesport is moving forward.”
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission noted the importance of regional planning and coordination in advancing major infrastructure projects like this one.
“When SPC met with McKeesport officials in 2022, we worked with PennDOT to have this bridge placed on our TIP, which is the formal way to prioritize a transportation project,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “Thanks to Congresswoman Lee, Senator Pisciottano, Representative Goughnour, and the added funding their advocacy brought, the new Versailles Avenue Bridge will be even better for McKeesport residents.”
Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation were in attendance and available to answer questions from the media following the event.
“The department appreciates the partnership with our federal, state, and local officials involved on this nearly $15 million infrastructure investment in the City of McKeesport,” PennDOT District 11 Executive Jason Zang said. “This project will restore safe and efficient access on Versailles Avenue for the traveling public, local residents, and emergency services.”
Approximately 4,100 vehicles used the viaduct daily prior to its closure. Today’s announcement marks a significant step toward restoring safe, reliable access for residents, students, and visitors.
Watch the full announcement here.
Lawmakers, Advocates Push Bipartisan Legislation to Close Loopholes in Pet Cremation Industry
Following House Action, Bipartisan Legislation Moves Forward Pending Senate Consideration
Harrisburg, PA – March 23, 2026 − State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), co-chair of the bipartisan Animal Protection Caucus, joined fellow lawmakers, animal welfare advocates, veterinary professionals, and pet owners for a press conference in the Main Capitol Rotunda to call for reform in the pet cremation industry following the Pennsylvania House’s unanimous passage of House Bill 1750.
The legislation, along with Senate Bill 950, would establish standards, increase oversight, and ensure transparency in the pet cremation industry, providing critical protections for families during times of loss. This bill aims to address an urgent need to establish regulatory oversight for third-party providers in the pet cremation industry.
Both measures will move to the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, where continued support and collaboration will be critical to advancing these commonsense reforms.
The House’s action reflects bipartisan recognition of the need for oversight and accountability in the industry. Advocates and lawmakers emphasized that strengthening consumer protections will help ensure families can trust that their pets are treated with dignity and respect.
The press conference brought together advocates including Humane Action Pennsylvania, Humane World for Animals, and Tiffany Mantzouridis, a whistleblower who has raised awareness about unethical practices in the industry. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) and members of the Animal Protection Caucus also participated.
Lawmakers emphasized that the House’s action represents progress and underscored the importance of continued collaboration to ensure these protections become law.
What They’re Saying
Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny):
“Losing a pet is heartbreaking, and families deserve honesty and compassion throughout the entire process. These commonsense reforms will help ensure that pet cremation services meet basic ethical standards and that bad actors are held accountable.”
Senator Bartolotta (R-Beaver, Washington, Greene):
“As a dog owner for many years, I understand the deep bond and unconditional love our animal companions give us. This legislation is about respect and peace of mind. We owe it to every pet owner to ensure their animals are cared for properly, even after they pass. Holding pet cremation services accountable is the least we can do for those pets who gave us so much.”
Senator Brown (R-Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne):
“This legislation works to protect the welfare of animals, support pet owners, and maintain public trust. Pets are part of our families, and they deserve to be treated with dignity, both in life and after they pass. The mishandling of pet remains is unacceptable, and it is time we establish clear standards so families can have confidence in the services they rely on. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support for this effort and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues, stakeholders, and Attorney General Sunday to move this important issue forward.”
Representative Markosek (D-Allegheny):
“I partnered with Senator Pisciottano on this important issue because pets deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially in death. I thank the advocates for their hard work in producing such a strong bipartisan vote in unanimously passing my bill today.”
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday:
“In Pennsylvania, crematorium owners have an obligation to ensure every family is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect during life’s most difficult moments. We are committed to acting on our authority to ensure that obligation is upheld across every aspect of care and service.”
Doctor Andrea Hongmann, President, Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association
“The human-animal bond is a very special connection, and the process of saying good-bye can be heartbreaking. This legislation aims to put into place reforms that would seem to be common sense, but for the future, will prevent unnecessary emotional trauma for pet owners. Representing the veterinary professionals across the Commonwealth, the PVMA stands with the legislators that are behind these bills, and we support the respectful and dignified treatment of pets through their entire lives, including the cremation process.”
Senator Pisciottano Announces Nearly $500,000 in Schools-to-Work Grants
Monroeville, PA – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced that two Allegheny County organizations will receive nearly $500,000 combined through the Commonwealth’s Schools-to-Work Program (STWP), an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry designed to connect high school students with careers and apprenticeship opportunities.
The grants are part of more than $4 million awarded to 17 organizations across Pennsylvania to strengthen career pathways and expand access to hands-on workforce training for students.
“Investing in career and technical pathways for our students is an investment in the future of our region,” said Senator Pisciottano. “These grants will give young people practical skills, direct exposure to the trades, and a path to family-sustaining careers right here in Allegheny County.”
Grants were awarded to:
- Auberle – $249,944.15
Auberle’s project will serve students at Woodland Hills High School by providing Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Training (PACT), with a focus on juniors and seniors preparing to transition into apprenticeships after graduation. The program will establish a Pre-Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 9. Students will also have access to Auberle’s full portfolio of workforce development services, including job shadowing, work experience, tutoring and educational support, career counseling, mentorship, and supportive services. Participants will receive one year of follow-up services to promote long-term workplace success.
- Industrial Arts Workshop, Inc. – $250,000
Industrial Arts Workshop (IAW) is building a program that introduces students to welding and the trades through the creative lens of art. IAW’s curriculum follows industry standards and will include additional math/reading literacy instruction. The Pre-Apprentice Track (PA Track) students will earn American Welding Society’s D1.1 entry level certification in preparation for an Iron Workers apprenticeship, further education at partner CCAC’s welding institute, or internships/on-the-job training opportunities with local companies.
The Schools-to-Work Program supports partnerships between schools, employers, and workforce organizations to expand pre-apprenticeship and career pathway opportunities for students.
More information about the Schools-to-Work Program, can be found here.
Senator Pisciottano Announces $686,000 in Grants for Community Projects
Monroeville, PA – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced $686,000 in state grant funding to support public safety, infrastructure improvement, and parks and recreation projects across Allegheny County communities he represents.
“These investments will strengthen public safety, enhance community spaces, and ensure our local communities and emergency responders have the tools they need to serve residents,” said Senator Pisciottano.
The following grants were awarded:
- Duquesne – $100,000 for pavilions and spray park (with Rep. Goughnour)
- McKeesport – $80,000 for excavator (with Rep. Goughnour)
- Elizabeth Township Fire Department – $65,000 for mechanical chest compression device and AED (with Rep. Kuzma)
- Wilmerding – $62,000 for community center pool repairs (with Rep. Markosek)
- Elizabeth Borough Volunteer Fire Company – $56,000 for Ford Expedition (with Rep. Kuzma)
- Baldwin Volunteer Fire Rescue – $52,000 for public relations and fire prevention trailer (with Rep. Inglis)
- West Homestead Volunteer Fire Department – $52,000 for gear, uniforms, and station equipment (with Rep. Goughnour)
- McKeesport Police Department – $35,000 for drone (with Rep. Goughnour)
- Elizabeth Township Sportsmen Association – $30,000 for clubhouse upgrades (with Rep. Kuzma)
- Glassport Police Department – $27,000 for security cameras and public safety equipment (with Rep. Inglis)
- West Mifflin #3 Volunteer Fire Company – $27,000 for equipment (with Rep. Inglis)
- Homestead – $25,000 for traffic security cameras (with Rep. Goughnour)
- McKeesport Baseball Association – $25,000 for equipment (with Rep. Goughnour)
- Plum Borough Community Library – $25,000 for literacy development outreach program (with Reps. Markosek & McAndrew)
- White Oak EMS – $25,000 for cardiac monitors (with Rep. Goughnour)
Senator Pisciottano also thanked State Representatives Dan Goughnour, John Inglis, Brandon Markosek, Joe McAndrew, and Andrew Kuzma for their roles in bringing these funds back to Allegheny County, noting their partnerships in advocating for projects that deliver benefits to residents.
Pisciottano Plan Targets Hidden Swipe Fees to Lower Costs for PA Businesses, Consumers
Monroeville, PA – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) announced today that he has circulated a co-sponsorship memo for legislation to prohibit credit card companies from charging swipe fees on the sales tax portion of retail transactions in Pennsylvania.
Currently, credit card companies charge merchants interchange, or “swipe,” fees on the full transaction amount, including the sales tax businesses are required to collect on behalf of the Commonwealth. At 2 percent to 4 percent per transaction, those fees add up quickly for small businesses operating on thin profit margins.
“Small businesses are being charged a fee on collecting tax dollars they don’t even keep,” Pisciottano said. “When a family spends $100 at a restaurant and pays $6 in sales tax, the business must send that $6 to the state. Yet the credit card company charges its fee on the full $106. That’s just not fair.”
According to the Federal Reserve, approximately one-third of all purchases in the United States are made by credit card. Visa and Mastercard control more than 80 to 85 percent of the credit card market, leaving merchants with little leverage to negotiate fees. Pennsylvania businesses are estimated to pay hundreds of millions of dollars annually in swipe fees, costs that are often passed on to consumers through higher prices or absorbed by small businesses themselves.
The legislation would prohibit swipe fees from being assessed on the sales tax portion of a transaction. Purchases not subject to sales tax would not be affected.
A broad coalition of business organizations supports the companion House legislation sponsored by State Representatives Pat Gallagher, Steve Samuelson, and Greg Scott, including the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, Pennsylvania Retailers’ Association, Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, PA Tavern Association, Pennsylvania Distillers Guild, and the National Association of Convenience Stores.
Senator Pisciottano emphasized that this is a narrowly tailored, common-sense reform to support small businesses, protect consumers, and help ease inflationary pressure by keeping more money in local communities.
“This legislation will help cut costs for Pennsylvania businesses and consumers,” Senator Pisciottano added. “At a time when families and small businesses are feeling the pressure of rising costs, we should not allow credit card companies to profit off Pennsylvania’s sales tax.”
Senator Pisciottano is encouraging his colleagues to join him in supporting this effort to cut costs for small businesses and consumers.
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Senator Pisciottano Land Conveyance Legislation Passes, Clears Path for Continued Mon-Fayette Expressway Construction
Monroeville, PA – Legislation authored by State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) to advance construction of the Mon-Fayette Expressway passed the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously last Tuesday, marking a key milestone for the regional transportation project in Allegheny County.
Senate Bill 467 previously passed the House of Representatives and now heads to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
The legislation authorizes the transfer of Project 70 restrictions from land owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to land owned by the Borough of West Mifflin, ensuring that public recreational land is preserved while allowing the Turnpike Commission to proceed with construction of the expressway.
Specifically, the legislation releases Project 70 restrictions on land formerly owned by West Mifflin and now held by the Turnpike Commission, including the Fleetwood Drive Playground and portions of West Mifflin Community Park that are impacted by the Mon-Fayette Expressway. In total, approximately 47 acres will be released from restriction due to direct acquisition or landlocking caused by construction.
In exchange, West Mifflin will accept ownership of approximately 28 acres of land along Camp Hollow Road, which will be protected under Project 70 restrictions as public recreational space.
“Sending this bill to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law allows the turnpike to continue its work on the Mon-Fayette Expressway, a vital transportation project in our region,” said Senator Pisciottano.
Project 70 of 1961 restricts the use of certain publicly owned lands to conservation and recreation purposes unless otherwise authorized by the General Assembly. The exchange approved through this legislation ensures no net loss of protected land while allowing the Turnpike Commission to move forward with construction of the Mon-Fayette Expressway.
The unanimous Senate vote underscores bipartisan recognition of the project’s importance to regional mobility, economic development, and long-term infrastructure planning in the Mon Valley and greater Allegheny County.
More information about the Mon-Fayette Expressway, including a project overview, design details, public involvement, and regular updates can be found here.
Senator Pisciottano, Representative Inglis Plan Legislation to Cut Pennsylvania Taxes for New Parents and First-time Homebuyers
Monroeville, PA – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and State Representative John Inglis (D-Allegheny) announced today they are circulating co-sponsorship memos and plan to introduce legislation that would cut Pennsylvania income taxes for new parents and first-time homebuyers who access retirement savings under updated federal rules.
Recent changes to federal tax law allow individuals to withdraw funds early from an IRA or retirement account without paying the federal 10 percent penalty for specific life events, including the birth or adoption of a child and the purchase of a first home. Under federal rules, each parent may withdraw up to $5,000 per child within one year of a birth or adoption, and first-time homebuyers may withdraw up to $10,000, without paying the early withdrawal penalty. Despite the federal penalty being waived, Pennsylvania continues to tax those withdrawals as ordinary income under the state Personal Income Tax.
The legislation would align Pennsylvania tax law with federal exemptions by waiving the state Personal Income Tax on early retirement withdrawals that already qualify for penalty-free federal treatment.
Pennsylvania is facing long-term challenges related to population growth, housing affordability, and retaining young families. The proposal addresses those pressures by lowering costs when families are welcoming a child or purchasing their first home.
For many households, early retirement withdrawals help address immediate financial needs, including closing costs, adoption expenses, or gaps caused by unpaid parental leave. By eliminating Pennsylvania income tax on federally exempt withdrawals, the legislation would help families bridge those gaps without additional state tax penalties.
“If we want families to stay, grow, and invest in Pennsylvania, our tax code should support them during life-changing milestones,” said Senator Pisciottano. “When the federal government signals that supporting families and first-time homebuyers is a priority, Pennsylvania should build on that momentum.”
Pisciottano and Inglis are working to advance a unified effort in both chambers to align Pennsylvania tax law with federal exemptions and provide relief to families and first-time homebuyers.
“Starting a family or buying a home are enormous financial decisions and some of our state’s outdated tax rules are making those decisions more difficult,” said Representative Inglis. “By aligning our tax code with federal law, this legislation gives families practical relief when they need it most and helps make Pennsylvania a more affordable place for people to put down their roots.”
Senator Pisciottano emphasized that the proposal’s fiscal impact to the Commonwealth would be directly tied to families choosing to grow and residents choosing to invest in homeownership, outcomes that strengthen Pennsylvania’s long-term economic health.
The Senator and Representative are now seeking co-sponsors and plan to formally introduce the legislation in the coming weeks.