West Central PA News

State Sen. Joe Pittman, Sen. Cris Dush, and Rep. Brian Smith have announced the successful acquisition of over $3 million in grants for Jefferson County projects. The funding, sourced from Local Share Account (LSA) grants and Public School Facility Improvement grants via the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), aims to enhance infrastructure and education facilities.

Rep. Brian Smith expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “I’m proud to have worked with Sen. Pittman and Sen. Dush to bring this money back to our area.” He highlighted that the projects could improve safety, accessibility, and even tourism in Jefferson County.

Senator Pittman emphasized the importance of these investments: “Thanks to the collective effort of local and state leaders, our communities will soon be receiving substantial investments for needed infrastructure improvements.” He noted that such projects are often costly for municipalities but are crucial for health, safety, and educational access.

Senator Dush remarked on the significance of securing this funding amid economic challenges: “With so many hard-working families struggling with ever-rising costs and inflation, I am pleased to have played a role in securing this highly competitive funding for the citizens I serve in Jefferson County.”

The Brockway Area School District will receive $247,500 for high school roofing repairs and boiler replacement under the Public School Facility Improvement grants.

Several municipalities will benefit from LSA funding:

- Big Run Borough is allocated $345,000 for road repaving.

- Brockway Borough will receive $60,000 for a new ladder truck.

- Eldred Township is set to gain $300,000 for resurfacing Greeley Road.

- Jefferson County has been granted $816,845 for constructing a new 911 tower in Young Township.

- The Jefferson County Development Council will use $531,600 for renovations at Gobbler’s Knob event center.

- Knox Township is allocated $143,732 for a maintenance crew truck.

- Perry Township plans to construct a new municipal building with its $300,000 grant.

- Reynoldsville Borough receives $350,000 to expand its multipurpose municipal building.

- Summerville Borough will purchase a quick response service vehicle with its allocation of $92,783.

Act 71 of 2004 facilitates LSA gaming revenue distribution through CFA to support public interest projects across Pennsylvania. The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program funds eligible facility improvement initiatives within public school districts and technical schools.