HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), and Reps. Jim Struzzi (R-62), Jill Cooper (R-55), Abby Major (R-60) and Josh Bashline (R-63) announced $6.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants for five community projects in Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland counties.
“I am pleased to support these vital investments into our communities,” Pittman said. “These projects help build upon our infrastructure and improve area assets for local residents and visitors to benefit from for years to come.”
The following projects were approved:
Armstrong County
Armstrong County Memorial Hospital received $1.25 million to complete Phase III of the hospital’s electrical infrastructure upgrade which includes removing old conduits, installing new conduit and panel feeds at the new switchgear location, purchasing and delivering new transformers, setting new generators, completing the duct bank and extending conductors to the emergency gear room.
“Armstrong County Memorial Hospital plays a key role in our community,” Major said. “These improvements will ensure the hospital has the electrical capabilities it needs to continue to function properly so there is no interruption of care.”
“Securing this funding is a testament to what we can accomplish when local leaders, community partners and organizations work together,” said Bashline. “We have been successful in obtaining these by collaborating closely and staying focused on our region’s needs. We’re able to turn good ideas into real, meaningful progress for the community.”
Indiana County
Indiana County Commissioners received $250,000 for the Downtown Indiana redevelopment project which includes design, bidding, permitting and construction activities to renovate the 600 Philadelphia St. building that is an architectural highlight of Indiana Borough’s main street. This project would focus on preserving the integrity of the exterior of the building.
PGT Trucking Inc. received $1 million for construction of the Training, Office Building and Cargo Securement Building; and related amenities including but not limited to site utilities, stormwater management facilities, building foundations, lighting and landscaping at their Blairsville Training Center.
“Indiana County’s economy is booming, and these investments will help continue the momentum,” Struzzi said. “I was happy to support both projects awarded in my district and pleased to see the overall support coming to Western Pennsylvania.”
Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation received $750,000 for the renovation of 707 5th Ave., New Kensington, including the demolition of interior walls to create an open floor plan, construction of new offices, and expansion and modernization of restrooms. Upgrades to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, along with exterior façade improvements, will ensure the space meets current standards and is attractive to prospective tenants.
RIDC Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Fund received $3.5 million for the New Kensington Manufacturing Park project which includes the demolition of existing un-usable buildings, site preparation at the lower south end of the site for new buildings, new utilities required into the site from mains, water meter vault, and fire loop, import of dirt/rock to bring up elevation, new circulation road, further demolition of deeper foundations and tunnels and fine grading to prepare for the building pad install.
“Projects like these expands our local workforce opportunities, which attracts additional business growth nearby. I consider this a big win for the entire northwest corner of Westmoreland County and look forward to seeing continued positive community impacts in New Kensington,” Cooper said. “I was thrilled to work with Sen. Pittman in seeing these projects get prioritized.”
RACP is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kate Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Charlie O’Neill (Rep. Struzzi)
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major)
Jordan Frei (Rep. Cooper)
Nate Temple (Rep. Bashline)