The final proposed segment of a Southern Beltway linking Pittsburgh International Airport with the Mon-Fayette Expressway has received environmental clearance from the Army Corps of Engineers, the last bureaucratic hurdle before final design.

The corps issued its record of decision yesterday for the 12.5-mile section from Interstate 79 to the Mon-Fayette Expressway at a new interchange south of Finleyville. The ruling yesterday concludes the environmental decision-making process for the estimated $730 million project.

Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier said a lack of funding will preclude the turnpike commission from advancing to final design, but he said the commission is committed to continuing to search for financing, including possible public-private partnerships to fund the highway and the remaining segment of the Mon-Fayette Expressway from Jefferson Hills to the Parkway East.