In a statement, he noted that “collaborations with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal agencies — as well as the private sector, nonprofits and universities — will be ongoing.” Despite the loss, such collaborations will continue to pay dividends in the future, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said. “It really was the working together that in the long run is going to be the real benefit,” he said.

Mr. Doyle added the loss to Columbus “shouldn’t stop us from moving forward with the plan.” He believes the money to pay for the initiatives can be cobbled together through a variety of sources — government, foundations and others who support the plan. “We put a good team together. There are substantial players in this. There is no reason to think there won’t be the ability to move forward,” he said.