HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), Rep. Brian Smith (R-66) and Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-62) announced today more than $3.3 million in Local Share Account (LSA) funds have been awarded for 10 projects in Indiana County. These investments were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
“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.”
“These investments will provide our local governments with the equipment and facilities they need to operate more efficiently and better serve residents,” Smith said. “These grants reflect a commitment to strengthening our communities and planning for the future.”
“Indiana County is poised for tremendous economic growth and with that growth our communities must have first class infrastructure and community services,” Struzzi said. “I am proud to support these grants which include important infrastructure upgrades, municipal equipment and vehicles, and outdoor recreation for our communities in Indiana County.”
The following LSA projects were approved on December 18:
Highridge Water Authority – SR 217 Waterline Extension into Blacklick Township Phase II Part A – $1,000,000
LSA funds will be used to construct a waterline extension project. The authority plans to install a new waterline along Thompson Road, McCormick’s Bridge Road, SR 217 and Williams Road.
Blairsville Borough – Blairsville Police Garage – $859,090
LSA funds will be used to construct a police garage. A new garage with four ports and a fortified, secure entryway is proposed with a connecting breezeway between the police station and the garage.
Montgomery Township – Montgomery Township Building Project – $500,000
LSA funds will be used to replace the township’s current dilapidated municipal building with a new facility. The building will include a basement foundation, offices, a public meeting room and restroom facilities that include ADA upgrades.
Indiana Borough – Street Sweepers – $356,376
LSA funds will be used to purchase two street sweepers to address the specific maintenance demands of the community. One street sweeper will be designated for debris removal on the roadways and has large capacity. The other street sweeper will be used to maintain the downtown parking garage and is a compact design for maneuverability.
Blairsville Borough – Borough of Blairsville Volunteer Fire Department Roof Replacement – $199,900
LSA funds will be used to replace the roof at the volunteer fire station.
Armstrong Township – New Tractor – $191,000
LSA funds will be used to purchase a new tractor for its Roads Department. This new tractor will assist the township in creating a safe travel environment on township roads.
Canoe Township – Municipal Truck – $190,965
LSA funds will be used to purchase a municipal truck and attachments to replace the current truck that is at the end of its useful life. This truck will be used for operation and maintenance of township roadways. The new vehicle will reduce township spending on rentals and repairs caused by breakdowns of the current vehicles.
Cherryhill Township – Cherryhill Township VFC Brush Truck – $106,187
LSA funds will be used to purchase a brush truck for the Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company. The replacement vehicle will be outfitted with a crew cab pickup truck chassis, a utility-box style rear body, lights and a brush fire skid.
Brush Valley Township – SCBA – $98,770
LSA funds will be used to purchase Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) for the Brush Valley Township Volunteer Fire Company.
Washington Township – Washington Township Service Truck – $82,197
LSA funds will be used to purchase a service truck including a snowplow, fuel transfer tank, back up camera and safety precautionary lighting (strobes).
The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages. The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 provides for the distribution of gaming revenue through the CFA. Local Share Account grants support economic development, job training, community improvement and public interest projects.
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Jake Gillespie (Rep. Smith)
Charlie O’Neill (Rep. Struzzi)