BOYLE & EVANS AWARD $2.7 MILLION FUNDING TO INDEPENDENCE HISTORICAL TRUST FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TAMANEND PLAZA ON MARKET ST.

PHILADELPHIA - Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-2) presented a Community Project Funding (CPF) check in the amount of $1,890,000 to the Independence Historical Trust to support improvements to the intersection of 2nd and Market Streets in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia. This funding, combined with $750,000 secured by Congressman Dwight Evans, totals nearly $2.7 million in new federal funding to improve the area in the heart of Old City.

This funding award will help support major infrastructure and safety upgrades to an important cultural and commercial corridor as the city prepares for 2026, when the country and the world will turn their attention to Philadelphia to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding.

"This plaza, when completed, will make significant upgrades to the pedestrian environment in Old City with enhanced street crossings and newly added bike lanes to improve safety for both Philadelphians and those visiting our city alike", said Boyle. "Time always brings wear and tear and this intersection (2nd & Market) has been negatively impacted by general wear and tear, as well as a lack of investment. Such an important space for our city is deserving of an appearance that befits its stature, and through this project, we will deliver that."

"As a lifelong Philadelphian, I'm proud that our city is the birthplace of America and home to so much of our nation's history!", said Congressman Evans. "I was pleased to help secure federal funding to help the city offer a world-class experience as Philadelphia prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation's birth in 2026."

The funding will support the following planned improvements to the area:
Create a plaza at 2nd and Market Streets dedicated to the Lenni Lenape Leader Chief Tamanend, who signed the peace treaty with William Penn.
Support significant upgrades to the pedestrian environment, with enhanced street crossings and added bike lanes to improve safety.
Add visual improvements to the intersection and surrounding area, including new planters and other greenspace enhancements.
Provide space for the celebration and interpretation of indigenous history.

Community Project Funding (CPF) is a federal initiative that allows Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. CPF is separate from federal grants and funding apportioned by formula.

"When combined with future city-led streetscape improvements along East Market Street from second to sixth Streets, this corridor will be a welcoming and vibrant place for decades to come", added Boyle. "I've had the privilege of representing this part of the city for a little over 18 months, but I am proud to say that in that time, we've successfully brought in almost three point six million dollars in new federal funding to the Historic District. I'm also proud to have led on recently announced legislation that will bring Congress itself to Philadelphia in a little less than two years' time, for a ceremonial session of Congress just days before our nation's two hundred and fiftieth birthday."