HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Reps. Abby Major (R-60) and Donna Oberlander (R-63) announced $2 million in Multimodal Transportation Funding has been awarded for two projects to foster greater economic development and improve local transportation infrastructure in Armstrong County. 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 Armstrong County,” 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.”
Armstrong Terminal, Inc. is being awarded a $1 million grant for the Armstrong Terminal Dock Upgrade Project, which consists of upgrades to a barge dock in Gilpin Township. Armstrong Terminal, Inc. is a full-service bulk material handling and storage facility located in Schenley, which specializes in loading and unloading of river barges and trucks for efficient distribution of dry-bulk and packaged materials to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Mid-Western regions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bases lock funding and operation on the Allegheny River solely on commercial traffic. The overall increase in commercial barge traffic on the Allegheny River resulting from these improvements means greater opportunity to maintain the operations of the local dam network, which can also positively impact recreational boating.
In August of 2023, the Gilpin Township Industrial and Economic Development Advisory Committee (GTIEDAC) held a tour of the Schenley Industrial Park for local and state leaders, in conjunction with Armstrong Terminal, Inc. and BPI, Inc. Attendees toured the park as well as the interior of many buildings while discussing the current operations, the possibilities of expansion and growth, and the repurposing of vacant buildings. This grant will help to advance the efforts of GTIEDAC as they work to create a diverse business community that is prosperous and innovative, while built on a stable economic foundation.
The second funding awarded within Armstrong County is a $1 million grant for the Armstrong County Paving Project. Armstrong County will repave roads throughout Applewold Borough, Elderton Borough, Parks Township, Pine Township and Rayburn Township.
“I am pleased to see this funding coming to Armstrong County to make much needed improvements to the roads,” said Oberlander. “This a perfect example of the value of the county working with municipalities to collectively address these needs. Their combined efforts will create efficiencies and cost savings while upgrading critical infrastructure, keeping the arteries of economic development within the region moving.”
“Each of these grants will address an important area project,” Major said. “I’m pleased to have advocated for these needs in order to address necessary work that will make the Alle-Kiski Valley a better place to live, work and visit.”
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)
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major)
Rick Leiner (Rep. Oberlander)