MARS, PA — On Monday, August 19, US Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) highlighted the ongoing work along the Route 228 Corridor Improvement Project, known as “Gateway 228,” in Butler County.

Between 2018 and 2020, Rep. Kelly secured two highly competitive BUILD (Better Utilization Investments to Leverage Development) grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation totaling $45 million for the project.

The $45 million from the BUILD grant is approximately one-sixth of the total cost of the Gateway 228 project.

“This project uses taxpayer dollars right here in Butler County. To be clear, the real thanks go to the taxpayers. We are investing in the future of Butler County and Western Pennsylvania for decades to come,” said Rep. Kelly. “TThis is a big step toward improving safety, accessibility and efficiency along one of our region’s most important and busiest highways. I am proud to have secured funding and resources for the Route 228 project to improve one of the fastest growing regions in the 16th Congressional District.”

“I am proud to say that you are all here today because we are working with permitting agencies, the county, local communities, the Federal Highway Administration and everyone to move the Route 228 Corridor projects forward,” said Alice Hammond, deputy district director for design in PennDOT’s 10th District. “It was a real partnership and we couldn’t have done it without the commitment of everyone involved.”

Further information on the Route 228 project can be found here.