KRISTIN NORWOOD, P.E.  Senior Transportation Engineer

Money, money, money! It’s not just a catchy tune by ABBA, but a stark reality for many municipalities throughout Pennsylvania as they struggle to search for ways to fund important transportation projects within their communities. Resources are limited, budgets are being stretched, and local leaders are doing their best to prioritize their available funding to maintain and improve transportation assets for their residents. But is it enough?

While there are various federal funding sources available, the Commonwealth continues to be at the forefront of supporting municipalities by providing statewide funding opportunities in the way of grants, loans and technical assistance programs. Entities such as the Department of Transportation, Department of Community and Economic Development, regional planning agencies and counties offer various types of funding and support. Many smaller townships and boroughs rely on these funding sources to supplement their small tax base, especially with rising costs for materials and services.

Back in my undergrad days at Villanova (Go Cats!), I never dreamed I would be involved in the financial side of engineering, but here I am. My current role with Gilmore & Associates, Inc. (G&A) includes not only my day-to-day technical tasks but also coordinating various grants throughout the year for our municipal clients. When those award announcements are released, it is very satisfying to inform clients they were awarded funding for a capital improvement project, or a new trail connection, or a signal upgrade.

For some municipalities, grants are the only way they can afford to make these types of improvements, so it is rewarding to be involved in that effort. And we have been very successful in that endeavor. To date, G&A has helped our clients win over $168 million in grant funds for various types of projects including transportation improvements, trails/pedestrian connections, stormwater management, and overall economic and community development. The projects were funded through numerous sources such as PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF), Green Light-Go (GLG) and Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE); DCED’s MTF, Statewide/Regional Local Share Account (LSA) and Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP); and county initiatives like Montgomery County’s Montco2040 grant program.

Every community’s goal should be to have such amenities as multimodal transportation options for their residents, access to recreational facilities for healthier lifestyles, and a well-maintained vehicular and pedestrian infrastructure to draw new residents and entice businesses to the area to spark economic growth. With the continued support of statewide funding initiatives, communities have the opportunity to achieve their eutopia, which will look different for every municipality based on their planning and zoning policies. But with the help of outside funding sources the future looks bright.

Kristin has been solving traffic and transportation challenges for the public sector for over 30 years.  She is an expert in comprehensive transportation evaluations, Act 209 Traffic Impact Fee Analysis, and master transportation plans.

 Whether preparing a traffic impact study, traffic calming design, or reviewing roadway or land development plans, she is focused on delivering safe, positive improvements. This passion for community advancement is what guides Kristin in successfully assisting her clients to receive much needed grant funding, making their desired enhancements a reality.