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October 2019

Dear Friend,

I am pleased to send you this edition of my electronic newsletter. These e-newsletters enable me to provide information about issues, events and activities in Harrisburg and around the 41^st Senatorial District to you in a timely manner while saving postage costs.

If you find this e-newsletter useful, I invite you to visit my website www.senatorpittman.com for more information about your state government.

If you do not wish to receive these e-newsletters, please click the “unsubscribe” button at the bottom of the page.

Sincerely,

Joe

Local Residents Attend Indiana County Senior Expo

It was great to meet with all of the folks who attended the senior expo I co-hosted with Representatives Cris Dush and Jim Struzzi on October 24 at the S&T Bank Arena in the White Township Recreation Complex. It was a great event. We had 103 exhibitors and over 650 seniors in attendance.

Local Fire Department Breaks Ground for New Station

Congratulations Coal Run / McIntyre V.F.D Station 290 on breaking ground for your new station. I look forward to helping cut the ribbon in 2020. Thanks for your service to our community!

Armstrong County Projects Receive PENNVEST Funding

As a member of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), I am pleased to report that I supported two Armstrong County projects when they came before the panel for approval.

PENNVEST awarded a $435,000 loan to the Kittanning Municipal Authority to upgrade its sewage treatment plant and a $305,000 loan to the West Kittanning Municipal Authority to replace about 600 water meters.

These upgrades and improvements will allow for these systems to function and operate more efficiently, resulting in a benefit to the customers of both authorities. PENNVEST has been actively involved in numerous partnerships that resulted in wide ranging infrastructure improvements throughout Armstrong County. PENNVEST financing is an essential component that makes these projects viable by significantly reducing the burden that otherwise would fall on ratepayers.

PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. PENNVEST financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state as well as proceeds from the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation, Act 13 of 2012.

Reading to Kids is FUNdamental

I had a wonderful time reading to the Pre-K children during the recent classroom expansion event at the Indiana County Head Start. Thank you to the faculty, staff and students for having me.

Green Light Go Grant Applications Now Accepted

Municipalities and planning organizations can apply now for grants from PENNDOT’s Green Light-Go Program to improve existing traffic signals.

Eligible projects include signal retiming, LED replacement, the study and removal of unwarranted traffic signals, monitoring, innovative technologies, communications with traffic management centers, detection and/or controller upgrades, modernization, and intelligent transportation system applications.

The Green Light-Go program, also known as Pennsylvania’s Municipal Signal Partnership Program, was created by Act 89 of 2013.  For more information, click here.

$5 Million Available for Teacher in the Workplace Grants

A total of $5 million in Teacher in the Workplace grants is now available to enable teachers to visit local employers and learn the skills and industry trends that will enhance their classroom instruction, student learning, and career readiness.

Education agencies and local workforce development boards are eligible to apply for the Teacher in the Workplace grants. Two types of grants are available.

Teacher in the Workplace Targeted Grants, administered by the Department of Education, provide up to $25,000 to local education agencies to expand career readiness and work-based learning experiences. The application deadline is November 20, 2019.

Teacher in the Workplace Advancing Grants, administered by the Department of Labor & Industry, encourage educators to develop partnerships with businesses with up to $50,000 for local workforce development boards, as well as up to $125,000 for schools and school districts that focus on underserved communities. The application deadline is December 23, 2019.

Click here for more information.

Deer Crossing: Game Commission Cautions Motorists to be Alert

With deer becoming increasingly active and more vehicles on the road during the hours when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is advising motorists to slow down and stay alert.

Deer become more active in autumn with the lead-up to their fall breeding season, commonly referred to as the “rut.” Around this time of the year, many yearling bucks move from the areas where they were born and travel to find new ranges. Meanwhile, adult bucks more often are cruising their home ranges in search of does, and they sometimes chase the does they encounter.

When daylight saving time ends on November 3, there also will be increased vehicular traffic between dusk and dawn – the peak hours for deer activity.

Each year, State Farm Insurance compiles a report on the likelihood drivers in each state will collide with a deer or other large animal, and Pennsylvania regularly is near the top of list. In the 2019 report, Pennsylvania ranked third among the states with drivers having a 1-in-52 chance of a collision with a deer or other large animal.

As a precaution, drivers should stay alert — especially while driving on stretches marked with “Deer Crossing” signs. Deer often travel in family groups and walk single file. So even if one deer successfully crosses the road in front of a driver, it doesn’t mean the threat is over. Another could be right behind it.

To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call PENNDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

Mark Your Calendar

I will be hosting two town meetings in Butler County over the next few weeks.

The first town hall meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the Middlesex Township Municipal Building, 133 Browns Hill Road, Valencia, on Wednesday, November 6. The second public meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the Chicora Volunteer Fire Department, 202 West Slippery Rock Street, Chicora, on Thursday, November 14.

My town hall meetings are always free and open to the public. I cordially invite everyone to attend the meetings. Refreshments will be served.

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