HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Reps. Abby Major (R-60) and Josh Bashline (R-63) announced today more than $2.4 million in Local Share Account (LSA) funds have been awarded for 10 projects in Armstrong 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.”
“Each of these projects responds to community needs and helps with the delivery of essential services,” Major said. “I’m happy to support these requests and advocate for our community in Harrisburg.”
“These investments are significant commitments to addressing the needs of our communities,” Bashline said. “It was a team effort to reach this conclusion, and I enjoyed assisting Sen. Pittman and local municipalities in obtaining these important dollars. While today’s news is a gigantic step in our favor, we will not be complacent in our pursuit of finding solutions to pressing matters in our region.”
The following LSA projects were approved on December 18:
Kittanning Suburban Joint Water Authority – Adrian Road Water Line Extension Phase 2 – $1,000,000
LSA funds will be used for the installation of a waterline along Adrian Road located in Sugarcreek Township, Armstrong County. The project will complete phase two of the water main redundancy project. This includes installing 7,000 linear feet of 12-inch diameter water line and fittings, that provide 600 residents with safe and adequate water. The project will also include replacing the four fire hydrants and three new service connections.
Manor Township Joint Municipal Authority – Route 422 Pump Station Feed Line Replacement – $568,700
LSA funds will be used to replace a portion of the water line that feeds the 422 pump station in Manor Township. This project includes the replacement of approximately 3,000 linear feet of 12″ diameter water line as well as all associated valves, fittings and paving and surface restoration. The new water line will be installed at the normal depth of cover of 4 feet.
South Buffalo Township Joint Municipal Authority – SBTMA Meter and Hydrant Replacement Project – $288,077
LSA funds will be used to upgrade water infrastructure throughout South Buffalo Township, Armstrong County. The project aims to reduce water loss and to upgrade water infrastructure so residents are billed timely and accurately for their usage. The scope includes replacing infrastructure, 352 water meters, meter transceiver units (MXU) radios, touch-read pads, wire to connect these units, as well as approximately 5 fire hydrants, and the purchase of hydrant markers. This work is needed as hydrants have exceeded their lifespan of 25 years and leaking persists resulting in issues throughout the system.
Worthington West Franklin Joint Municipal Authority – Water Treatment Plant Improvements – $147,400
The communications and electrical infrastructure at the Bear Street and Cherry Street water treatment plants have degraded beyond their useful life, leading to an unreliable system. The project will install a new communication system and electrical upgrades for both plants to ensure reliable drinking water access to the community.
North Apollo Borough – Kerr Park – $132,250
LSA funds will be used to upgrade Kerr Park located in North Apollo Borough. Kerr Park has been a staple of the community for decades but was recently closed due to safety concerns. The project will revitalize the space by upgrading the play surface to follow safety protocol. The Borough will also install new playground equipment for ages 2-12 that meets ADA standards for inclusive play and install a fence around the playground.
Ford Cliff Borough – Renovations to the Ford Cliff Borough Building – $100,000
LSA funds will be used to renovate the borough building so it is safe and usable not only to the employees but to the residents of the borough. The project will include the installation of a new roof, renovated restrooms inside the building for employees will be updated, the floor in the maintenance portion of the building will be renovated and a new concrete floor will be installed, and a restroom that is accessible from the outside will be installed to ensure visitors to the adjacent park have access to modern facilities without impacting municipal operations.
Parks Township Municipal Authority – SCADA System Upgrade – $88,300
LSA funds will be used for the purchase of a new SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System) for use in Parks Township. The current SCADA system, which monitors the water and sewer systems, needs to be replaced as new parts are no longer being manufactured and it is near the end of serviceable life. The new SCADA system will be completely wireless with multiple Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) for better system monitoring.
Gilpin Township – South Central Armstrong Regional Comprehensive Plan Update – $50,000
LSA funds will be used to update the 2003 South Central Armstrong County Comprehensive Plan in Gilpin Township.
Bethel Township – Ash Building – $47,961
LSA funds will be used to build a storage structure for ashes and salt for winter road maintenance located in Bethel Township, Armstrong County.
Burrell Township – Tac Tank 2025 – $38,300
LSA funds will be used for the purchase of a Tac Tank equipped with a 300-gallon trailer, and wireless remote start/overnight heater, to assist the township with roadway tar chipping and pothole patching.
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)
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major)
Nate Temple (Rep. Bashline)