HARRISBURG – Four Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants have been awarded to projects in Armstrong and Indiana counties, according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Reps. Abby Major (R-60), Donna Oberlander (R-63) and Jim Struzzi (R-62).
The lion’s share of the grants – a $2 million award – will go toward the expansion and improvement of the YMCA of Indiana County facility in White Township.
“The YMCA’s White Township facility is in need of necessary renovations and improvements,” said Pittman. “This money will help ensure the facility can meet the needs of the community for years to come.”
Added Struzzi: “The YMCA has always been cognizant of community needs and adapted to the times. I’m glad to see them awarded this grant so they can continue to do what they do so well and grow to accommodate those who rely on them.”
Three $500,000 grants were awarded to Armstrong County recipients, including the Orphans of the Storm, Inc. for construction of a new animal shelter in Rayburn Township.
At its existing shelter, Orphans of the Storm assists approximately 1,000 animals a year within the county through rescue, adoption, spaying and neutering services. The current facility has experienced frequent flooding from a nearby pond and creek putting the facility’s animals, volunteers, equipment and records at risk. A new shelter will be built on higher ground.
“I am pleased to see that these worthwhile projects and the communities they serve in Armstrong County will benefit from this state investment for years to come,” Oberlander said. “The Orphans of the Storm has provided decades of service in helping animals in need, and the improvements to downtown Kittanning will help enhance and revitalize our county seat.”
The grant awarded to Holcim-Mid Atlantic Region, Inc. will help with the construction of a lightweight aggregate processing operation at the company’s existing facility in South Bend Township.
“The work on the new processing operation will include the addition of material handling equipment, installation of a natural gas fired kiln and associated air pollution control equipment to produce the lightweight aggregate,” said Pittman.
“This new processing plant will be a boon for our local economy,” Major said. “The Holcim plant is the only one in the region to make this new lightweight aggregate that is just as strong as the traditional product. I’m pleased to support this important project that brings family-sustaining jobs to Armstrong County.”
The last of the Armstrong County award recipients is Kittanning Borough for a project to extend the beautification and streetscape improvements completed on Market Street in Kittanning. These improvements will include new concrete curbs and sidewalks, new pedestrian lighting, new parking meters, benches, trash receptacles and improved access for disabled individuals.
“With these grants, we are advancing several significant economic and community development projects in Armstrong and Indiana counties,” said Pittman.
RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.
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Contacts: Jeremy Dias (Sen. Pittman) jdias@pasen.gov
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major) Tpolovick@pahousegop.com
Jennifer Keaton (Rep. Oberlander) Jkeaton@pahousegop.com
Scott Little (Rep. Struzzi) Slittle@pahousegop.com