HARRISBURG – State Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and State Rep. Josh Bashline (R-63) today announced the approval of $600,000 in state funding for Kittanning Borough.
The funding is being awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Program, to support the recent emergency demolition of the McConnell-Watterson building on Market Street in Kittanning. The building was deemed unstable as it began to collapse, becoming a public safety hazard.
“I applaud Armstrong County Commissioners and Kittanning Borough Council for working together to ensure the safety of area residents and businesses,” Pittman said. “This state support will go a long way to help address the concerns and costs associated with demolition of the structure.”
Last summer, an emergency action was taken by Kittanning Borough Council to expedite the process of demolishing the dilapidated building and to assist two Market Street businesses impacted by the adjacent structure. This grant will in no way let the negligent property owner off the hook, but rather protects the borough taxpayer from being stuck footing the bill.
“This is a significant investment to address a safety issue in Kittanning,” Bashline said. “Due to the building’s deteriorating condition and proximity to other businesses, immediate action needed to be taken to avoid a potential catastrophic event. I am grateful to see this solution come to fruition.”
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Nate Temple (Rep. Bashline)