CRANBERRY TWP — A major road construction project in the township got a financial boost Thursday.

During the meeting, supervisors voted to participate in the Butler County Infrastructure Bank program, giving the township the ability to borrow up to $7.6 million.

The bank was created in 2017 as a means of helping municipalities fund projects that could lead to economic development. It is subsidized by the county's income from Act 13 Marcellus Shale gas fees. The county subsidizes the loan at 1.5 percent, officials said.

According to Jerry Andree, township manager, every municipality was invited to apply for funding through the bank.

Cranberry Township's application was submitted in April, and focused on the creation of the MSA Thruway beneath Route 228. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion by building beneath Route 228 and corresponding ramps from Interstate 79. The throughway also will connect the Cranberry Springs development and Cranberry Woods Business Park.

To construct the 150-foot underpass, crews are expected to dig about 25 feet down. The road will have two northbound lanes, one southbound lane, a bike trail and a sidewalk, according to previous Butler Eagle reports. The opening at each end will be large enough to let in natural light, but the design calls for lighting to ensure it is safe for pedestrians.

The project, estimated to cost about $16 million, could support the creation of 2,300 permanent, full-time jobs and more than 4,000 temporary construction jobs, as well as open the area for future development, according to officials.

A second application to the infrastructure bank focused on rebuilding the Franklin Acres sewage pumper station and two interceptors.

In approving participation in the program, supervisor chairman Dick Hadley said the program is “a good deal for everyone.”

“We're anxious to take advantage of this,” he said. “I think it will be a nice program for all the municipalities of Butler County as we move forward.”