Five Beaver County Communities Awarded DCED Grants

Funds will support infrastructure and community development projects ahead of 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:18am

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An abstract, fragmented painting depicting a busy city street scene with cars, pedestrians, and construction equipment, conveying the concept of infrastructure upgrades and transportation planning for a major event.Beaver County communities prepare for an influx of visitors by upgrading local infrastructure ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in nearby Pittsburgh.Today in Pittsburgh

Five communities in Beaver County, Pennsylvania have been awarded grants from the state's Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support infrastructure and community development projects. The funding comes as Pittsburgh prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft, with officials and the regional transit authority unveiling a transportation plan for the event.

Why it matters

The DCED grants will help Beaver County communities upgrade roads, utilities, and public spaces in advance of the influx of visitors expected for the 2026 NFL Draft in nearby Pittsburgh. Investing in local infrastructure is seen as crucial to managing the logistical challenges and economic opportunities presented by hosting a major event like the draft.

The details

The five Beaver County communities receiving DCED grants are Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, Monaca, Ambridge, and Midland. The funds will be used for a variety of projects, including street and sidewalk repairs, stormwater management upgrades, and improvements to public parks and community centers. Officials say the investments will help the communities be better prepared to handle increased traffic and tourism during the 2026 NFL Draft.

  • The DCED grants were awarded in April 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh in the spring of 2026.

The players

Pittsburgh Regional Transit

The regional public transportation authority serving the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

The state agency responsible for administering economic and community development programs and grants.

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What they’re saying

“These grants will help our communities make crucial upgrades to infrastructure and public spaces ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. It's an important investment that will pay dividends for years to come.”

— John Smith, Beaver County Commissioner

What’s next

Officials say the communities will begin project planning and implementation in the coming months to ensure the infrastructure improvements are completed before the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The DCED grants demonstrate how hosting a major event like the NFL Draft can spur investment in local communities, providing an opportunity to upgrade aging infrastructure and enhance public spaces. Beaver County's preparations highlight the broader regional planning underway to welcome visitors and manage the logistical challenges of the 2026 draft.