A rain garden is planned for the west side of Route 50 in Heidelberg as part of a $2.4 million streetscape project to be paid for with federal money, Mayor Kenneth LaSota told council members at last night's meeting.

A rain garden typically uses runoff to provide water for its plants and keeps that runoff from running unabated into storm sewers and creeks.

The streetscape project also includes the Carothers Avenue section of Scott and Third Street in Carnegie. Each municipality is working on plans for roadway improvements, but the projects will be paid for with the same pot of federal money secured by U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair. Planning and design work will be coordinated among the three municipalities as the project moves forward.

Heidelberg's rain garden is planned for a grassy knoll along Route 50 where two Lamar advertising billboards are now located, the mayor said.

He added that Lamar officials are excited about the project and that the benefits of the rain garden will include mitigating storm water runoff damage while providing a respite for residents who want to enjoy the rain garden.

Other improvements planned as part of the Route 50 streetscape project in Heidelberg include the addition of park benches, flower beds, trash receptacles, trees and decorative lighting.