The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today awarded grants totaling $2,366,402 to projects in Indiana County, according to Senator Joe Pittman and Representatives Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith.
The Indiana County Commissioners were awarded a $1,491,402 Pipeline Investment Program grant to extend a natural gas pipeline to the 119 Business Park in Center Township. The project involves the installation of 4,100 feet of pipeline from the Peoples regulation station north of Neal Road to the business park.
“This grant will create an economic development opportunity that will support our agricultural community, create jobs and add commercial property to the tax rolls in the future,” said Senator Pittman. “This is very welcome news considering the recent layoff announcement at the Homer City plant. This pipeline project and the resulting growth in the area will help support the Homer Center School District, Center Township and Indiana County.”
“These grants should be viewed as investments in our future,” said Representative Struzzi. “I am happy to see these funds coming back to Indiana County. Investing in infrastructure will help our local communities and demonstrate responsible fiscal policy and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.”
“Infrastructure is the foundation for economic growth and a key component to enhance our competitiveness for capital investment and job opportunities,” said Indiana County Commissioners Chairman Mike Keith. “On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, we thank the Commonwealth for the trust to invest these grant dollars for the long-term benefit of our communities.”
“The Indiana County Development Corporation (ICDC) is appreciative of the PIPE funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and the support from Senator Joe Pittman and Representative Jim Struzzi to invest in needed infrastructure at the 119 Business Park, which will be instrumental in attracting new economic development opportunities,” said Byron G. Stauffer, Jr., ICDC Executive Director. “This is a great demonstration of cooperation at all levels of government between the Indiana County Commissioners, the Center Township Supervisors and the Homer Center School District.”
South Mahoning, Washington, and White townships were awarded Multimodal Transportation Fund grants by the CFA.
“These projects will rehabilitate rural roads in South Mahoning and Washington townships that are long overdue for improvement,” said Senator Pittman. “In addition, the White Township project will open a new area for development.”
White Township received $500,000 for the extension of Acorn Street to Laurel and High streets. The project will reduce traffic on residential streets and open eight acres of property for commercial development.
South Mahoning Township received $225,000 for the widening, stabilization and resurfacing of 1.18 miles of Pearce Road. The existing road is deteriorated, and the project will improve safety and mobility for all vehicles.
“Properly planned and well-maintained infrastructure is critical for the continued expansion of economic recovery and job creation all throughout our region,” said Representative Smith. “As a state representative and self-employed business owner of a family-operated transportation company and a freight brokerage company, I understand how critical this funding is for improving rural roadways, alleviating traffic congestion and increasing driver safety, especially in the midst of this pandemic.”
Washington Township received $150,000 for Phase II of the reconstruction of Redding Run Road. The project involves the resurfacing of 1.09 miles of roadway and work along the shoulders of the road.
The CFA was established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.
Click here for Senator Pittman’s comments on these grants.
Contact: Jeremy Dias jdias@pasen.gov