HARRISBURG – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Reps. Abby Major (R-60), Leslie Rossi (R-59) and Jill Cooper (R-55) announced $567,231 in Local Share Account funding to support projects throughout Westmoreland County.
These funds were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and funded through the Local Share Account Program – Category 4 Facilities Program, which uses money generated by casinos to support projects to improve quality of life for area residents.
“These projects represent meaningful steps toward enhancing the quality of life in our community,” Sen. Joe Pittman said. “I am proud to have partnered with my colleagues to advocate for these important investments. The efforts of local leaders and officials on these and other projects, have a profound impact on our municipalities, and I thank them for their work to ensure essential services and infrastructure remain safe, reliable, and efficient for residents.”
“Both the Hyde Park and Lower Burrell projects will fix critical infrastructure issues that need addressed,” Rep. Abby Major said. “By making these improvements, the entire area will benefit. I’m pleased to support these projects with Sen. Pittman.”
“Working together, we were able to secure meaningful investments for communities across Westmoreland County,” said Rep. Leslie Rossi. “This funding will help local governments complete important projects without placing additional strain on taxpayers.”
“Between public safety, transportation or library programs, our municipalities go above and beyond to meet the needs of families who call our region home, while also keeping property taxes as low as possible,” said Rep. Jill Cooper. “This funding helps advance important and worthwhile community initiatives that otherwise may never occur. I was happy to work with my colleagues in the Senate to see these projects advance.”
The following nine projects in the 41st Senatorial District are receiving support through this round of funding:
Derry Township was awarded $25,000 to purchase new equipment. The funding will be used to replace and purchase two new lawnmowers to ensure they can continue to maintain the community parks and gathering spaces.
Hyde Park Borough was awarded $75,220 for construction, engineering and administrative costs related to the borough’s School Street and Seventh Avenue reconstruction project. The project includes reconstructing both roadways from Railroad Street to Chestnut Street to repair the deteriorating pavement.
Ligonier Borough is receiving $49,880 to purchase a mobile vehicle barrier system capable of securing roadways and protecting pedestrians, especially during annual public festivals and events in the area.
Lower Burrell City was awarded $76,730 for construction and engineering costs related to the Rodgers Drive stormwater system upgrades which are needed due to the system being undersized and not equipped to handle surface runoff. The upgrades include installing 225 linear feet of new stormwater pipe and two new inlets, installing 200 linear feet of CIPP lining, as well as completing restoration work on the affected pavement, curbs and concrete.
New Kensington City is receiving support for three projects:
- $66,826 to purchase and upfit a new police vehicle, which will allow the city to retire high mileage vehicles and save on maintenance costs, and ensure officers can continue to patrol and provide vital services to the community.
- $25,885 to renovate the Girl Scout Little House. The project includes repairing and refinishing the interior hardwood floors, the exterior clad pine siding, and upgrading the plumbing, lighting and electric.
- $93,834 to modernize and upgrade the Peoples Library. The upgrades include replacing the main electrical distribution system, installing a new 10-ton rooftop HVAC unit, upgrading the security system, and replacing an aging steel entrance door in addition to masonry repairs.
Seward Borough was awarded $31,766 to replace and purchase a Kubota tractor with a backhoe and bucket to help maintain streets and drainage systems, assist with essential repairs, and to hire additional maintenance employees.
Upper Burrell Township was awarded $122,090 for the purchase of new equipment. The funding will be used for a new backhoe to replace an older backhoe that has reached the end of its useful life. The new backhoe will allow the Road Department to perform and manage its own projects without the need to bid out the work.
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.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman)
Tracy Polovick (Rep. Major)
Rick Leiner (Rep. Rossi)
Jordan Frei (Rep. Cooper)