HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-63) and Rep. Brian Smith (R-66) have announced two local communities will benefit from grants awarded through the Keystone Communities Program for development and revitalization efforts.
The program, which is overseen by the Department of Community and Economic Development, is a flexible tool for a variety of uses in community and economic development, including planning activities, façade grant programs, accessible housing programs, and infrastructure development.
The two grant recipients in Armstrong and Jefferson counties are:
- Kittanning Borough (Armstrong County), which received $50,000 for the Kittanning Borough Façade Grant Program that is focused on improving existing façades in the central business district.
- Punxsutawney Borough (Jefferson County), which received $486,172 for road reconstruction and sewer improvement.
“A key part of fostering greater growth and long-term stability for our region is through ensuring state investments are made for important local projects,” Sen. Pittman said. “This funding will help with ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtowns of our communities by improving both their infrastructure and overall physical appearance. I commend our local leaders for seeking out support for these worthwhile projects in Kittanning and Punxsutawney.”
“I am pleased to see that the borough has been awarded this grant, which will continue existing efforts to breathe new life into the downtown area,” Rep. Oberlander said. “Working together with Armstrong County over the years, the borough has taken on numerous revitalization projects in addition to improving roadway and aging infrastructure. These improvements are greatly needed for a successful revitalization, which will benefit the community and the county in countless ways.”
“These grants will deliver a much-needed infusion of dollars into our local economy at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet,” Rep. Smith said. “The funding will be used to invest in our communities and spur economic activity in Punxsutawney Borough and throughout Jefferson County. As always, I am proud to support these worthwhile projects that will result in revitalization, infrastructure improvements and family-sustaining job creation.”
CONTACTS:
Senator Pittman – Kate Flessner kflessner@pasen.gov 717-787-8724
Representative Oberlander – Jennifer Keaton Jkeaton@pahousegop.com 717-705-2094
Representative Smith – Ty McCauslin tmccausl@pahousegop.com 717-772-9979