HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Reps. Jim Struzzi (R-62) and Brian Smith (R-66) announced grants totaling more than $2.7 million have been approved for six road, bridge, and airport improvement projects in Indiana and Jefferson Counties. These investments were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) on March 26, 2024, in Harrisburg.
“I’m proud to have worked with local and state leaders to advocate for this substantial state funding for projects within our region,” Pittman said. “These investments will have a positive impact on local residents, as well as help to advance local economic development for many years to come. Just like in other areas of our state, our communities in rural areas must have a strong and reliable transportation infrastructure in place.”
Indiana County:
- Jimmy Stewart Airport Improvements – As part of the multiphase Jimmy Stewart Airport (JSA) Improvement Project, which has received multiple state grants, Indiana County Commissioners requested assistance with Phase II, consisting of the construction of a new hangar at the JSA facility in White Township. This new grant in the amount of $996,000 has been approved for the project, which will be used to build a new 12,000 sq. ft. hangar for aircrafts. The airport is currently out of hangar space and thus is limited in attracting new clients. Groundbreaking for the new hangar will take place this summer and will ultimately provide the JSA Board and County Economic Development Team the capability to attract a charter service from the airport.
- Marsh Run Bridge Repairs – The Borough of Indiana is being awarded $500,000 to rehabilitate five bridges along the Marsh Run corridor located in Indiana Borough.
- Lucerne Mines Project – Center Township will be receiving $335,000 for the resurfacing of eleven streets in Lucerne Mines in Center Township.
- Quince and Hickory Road Culvert Replacements – Green Township is being awarded $195,000 to assist with the replacement of two culverts to redirect water flow from Quince and Hickory Roads in Green Township.
“Addressing upkeep of vital local infrastructure such as bridge and road repair and transportation upgrades is how we believe constituents would prefer the hard earned tax dollars they send to Harrisburg to be used,” Struzzi said. “While we’re making the grant announcement, our local government partners are the ones who deserve credit for initiating the grant process.”
Jefferson County:
- Big Run Road Project – Bell Township is receiving a $350,000 grant for the reconstruction of Big Run Road.
- Anita Street Resurfacing Project – McCalmont Township is being awarded $399,582 for the resurfacing of nine township roadways located in the community of Anita.
“As a former truck driver and trucking business owner, I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay on top of our road maintenance,” Smith said. “Our goods can only get where they need to go if there’s a stretch of asphalt to get them there. This funding will help offset the high costs of these important projects to our local municipalities.”
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development.
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Scott Little (Rep. Struzzi)
Jake Gillespie (Rep. Smith)