Wentling Announces $100,000 to Plan Safer Walking, Biking Connections in Mercer County

October 7, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) announced two grants totaling $100,000 to help Mercer County communities plan safer, more accessible walking and bicycling routes and better connections to public transportation.

The Mercer County Regional Planning Commission and the City of Sharon will each receive $50,000 through the WalkWorks program, a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

“Whether residents are walking to a neighborhood business, biking to work or enjoying time outdoors, safe connections make a difference,” said Wentling. “These grants will help local leaders identify transportation needs and develop plans that make our communities more accessible while supporting public health and our local economy.”

During the next year, planners will collect data, assess existing conditions and gather public input to develop active transportation plans. Those plans will guide future improvements to pedestrian, bicycle and transit networks and help communities prepare for infrastructure grant applications.

Wentling serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Pennsylvania House Cycling and Trails Caucus and previously served as president of the Mercer County Trails Association and the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance. His work to expand local trail connections includes successfully advocating for a $350,000 grant in 2023 to construct a trail connecting Lorenwood Drive to the Hermitage Athletic Complex.

“I have long supported efforts to expand our trails and make walking and cycling safer and more convenient,” said Wentling. “Good planning is an essential step toward connecting neighborhoods with parks, businesses and other everyday destinations. I look forward to seeing residents help shape these plans and the improvements they can make possible.”

WalkWorks encourages communities to develop connected transportation networks that make physical activity part of everyday life.

Representative Parke Wentling
7th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
ccomisac@pahousegop.com
RepWentling.com / Facebook.com/RepWentling