HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Reps. Jim Struzzi (R-62) and Brian Smith (R-66) announced $5,384,788 in Local Share Account funding to support projects throughout Indiana County.
These funds were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) on September 15, 2026, in Harrisburg. The grants are funded through the Local Share Account – Statewide, which uses money generated by casinos to support projects to improve quality of life for area residents.
“Projects to strengthen communities are critical to the stability and growth of our region,” Pittman said. “I was pleased to work with my colleagues in Harrisburg to advocate for this substantial support. Thoughtful investments in local infrastructure and economic development initiatives help ensure municipalities can meet the needs of residents now and into the future. This is an exciting day, as the funding will help address local priorities, support economic growth, and improve quality of life across the county.”
“I am proud to support these state investments in Indiana County,” Struzzi said. “Included in the funding announced today are important infrastructure upgrades and support for our first responders. Last week, we properly honored the work of our first responders as we remembered the 25th anniversary of 9/11; this week, we are following up by helping to purchase new radios to improve communications. The funding awards also include support for our municipalities, body cameras for our county sheriff’s office, and improvements to recreational facilities that will benefit local residents.”
“I’m proud to partner with Sen. Pittman to bring this funding back to the district,” Smith said. “Keeping our roads and bridges in good shape is essential for both residents and folks traveling through our communities.”
The following 14 projects are receiving support through this round of funding:
Brush Valley Township is receiving $208,060 to construct a salt/anti-skid storage building to keep material dry and prevent it from freezing.
Burrell Township is receiving $397,590 to repair and expand various areas within Saylor Park, including repairing and upgrading the parking lot, expanding the center road width and adding parking spaces, and resurfacing and expanding the walking track to connect to the park’s newly installed creekfront beach.
Canoe Township is being awarded $141,900 to replace its aging drum roller with a new, fully equipped drum roller for local roadway maintenance operations.
Highridge Water Authority is receiving:
- $1 million for phase II part B of the Route 217 North Blacklick Township project which includes installing a new waterline beginning at Thompson Road and ending at Williams Road to correct the lack of water volume and poor water quality. This will benefit 34 nearby homes.
- $1 million to replace the current West Wheatfield #1 pump station with a new booster pump station to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Homer City Borough is being awarded $130,023 to replace their current, 35-year-old skid steer by purchasing a new skid steer with broom, utility and mower attachments; a zero-turn mower; and a utility trailer.
Indiana Borough is being awarded $180,250 to purchase a new vehicle, upfitting and additional safety equipment to better provide for the safety of residents, especially during emergencies and community events.
Indiana County is receiving $25,067 to purchase and implement body-worn cameras for the Indiana County Sheriff’s Office to enhance transparency, accountability and officer safety.
Loyalhanna Township, on behalf of the Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department, is receiving $132,328 to purchase a base station and 25 portable radios to update their emergency communications and improve emergency services in Saltsburg Borough, and Conemaugh and Loyalhanna townships.
Rayne Township is being awarded $1 million to replace the bridge carrying Wynkoop Road over Pine Creek with a new precast concrete box culvert and shift the bridge opening to the east a short distance. These changes will minimize the impacts to the railroad embankment during construction, reduce the curvature of the stream and allow for safe demolition of the existing bridge.
Saltsburg Borough is receiving:
- $55,182, on behalf of Towns People Inc. to remove the old siding of the Altman Feed Mill and replace it with new cedar siding on the west face of the mill in the hopes of attracting business growth and boosting local tourism.
- $181,004 for window replacement, electrical lighting and fixture upgrades for the Salt Community Center as well as reconstructing the parking lot and installing ADA parking.
- $63,425 to purchase a John Deere ZTrak, a John Deere Sub Compact, an iron mount side discharge, a quick hitch front blade, a heavy-duty rotary boom, and a Kubota V series. This new municipal equipment will replace their 14-year-old riding mower and their 20-year-old Kubota mower both of which break down frequently and have reached the end of their useful life.
South Mahoning Township is receiving $869,959 to resurface Sinktown, Rossmoyne, Pearce, Redding Run and Mahoning roads, all of which are high traffic areas and have prematurely aged and need maintenance.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.
CONTACT: Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
CONTACT: Charlie O’Neill (Rep. Struzzi)
CONTACT: Jake Gillespie (Rep. Smith)