Emilia Sykes

AKRON — U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-District 13) Aug. 21 presented ceremonial checks totaling $1.45 million to the City of Akron for the Downtown Akron Main Street Project and the East Copley District Safe and Vibrant Streets Study.

“Safe streets and strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a thriving city,” Sykes said. “The Downtown Akron Main Street Project will modernize our infrastructure and make our downtown more welcoming for residents and visitors alike, while the East Copley District study will help us tackle serious safety concerns along some of Akron’s busiest corridors. I was proud to secure this federal funding, and I’m grateful to Mayor [Shammas] Malik, the City of Akron and the East Copley community for their partnership in making these projects possible.”

“Congresswoman Sykes continues to be a strong partner for Akron, and we’re grateful for her support in securing federal resources for projects that will make a real difference in our community,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “This funding will help us complete the transformation of Main Street through the heart of downtown while also taking an important step toward making Copley Road safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and everyone who uses that corridor. Both projects reflect the kind of practical, long-term investments that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.”

The Downtown Akron Main Street Project received $1.2 million in federal funding to revitalize Main Street with new pavement, concrete curbs and sidewalks, upgraded lighting and traffic signals, and enhanced landscaping. The project will add bike lanes, improved pedestrian crossings, parking lanes and bus stops, along with underground conduits to support traffic control and communication systems and future fiber infrastructure.

The East Copley District Safe and Vibrant Streets Study received $250,000 to improve safety and economic development along Copley Road, South Maple Street, Diagonal Road and West Exchange Street. The corridor falls within the High Injury Network, an area with a high frequency of traffic crashes, including fatal crashes. The study will identify specific safety issues, recommend evidence-based countermeasures and support select safety improvements in a community that has historically been underserved.