HARRISBURG – Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Rep. Rich Irvin (R-81) announced Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants totaling $1.975 million have been awarded for two projects in Huntingdon County.
The first grant for $875,000 will support Walker Township’s construction of a new municipal facility that will include new offices, a heated garage, a pole building, a wash bay and a salt storage facility that will form its new municipal complex shared by the township and the municipal authority.
“Walker Township officials have been working diligently with the community for years to pursue a new municipal building to serve township residents while preserving the community’s recreational assets,” said Ward. “This RACP investment will allow the township to achieve this goal and improve local government services to residents.”
“I appreciate this funding to move this important community project forward,” said Irvin. “The plans for the property will better serve everyone in the area.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the support that we are receiving from Sen. Ward and Rep. Irvin,” said Joe Harford, Walker Township Supervisor. “This demonstrates how municipal government and state government can work together in a collaborative fashion to improve overall outcomes for our residents. We are looking forward to a successful project.”
A second $1.1 million grant will help the East Broad Top (EBT) Foundation restore a portion of the East Broad Top Railroad in Rockhill Borough. The project scope includes the repair of eight miles of track between Rockhill Furnace and Saltillo, as well as site improvements at EBT’s Rockhill Furnace yard and the construction of event facilities at Colgate Picnic Grove.
“The revitalization of the East Broad Top Railroad is providing an economic boost to the local community,” said Ward. “State investment in this historic gem will allow further expansion of the railroad to create additional jobs and attract tourists to the area.”
“This funding is sorely needed to move ahead with reopening and repairing essential infrastructure in the area,” said Irvin. “It will also pave the way for making better use of Colgate Picnic Grove, which will serve everyone in the community. It is important to embrace tourism, and this project will be an economic driver to help promote tourism in the area.”
“The EBT Foundation is grateful for the support of Sen. Ward and Rep. Irvin on this project,” said Brad Esposito, General Manager of the EBT Foundation, Inc. “We are excited to expand the East Broad Top Railroad’s footprint in the region and the opportunities for greater economic development that will come to the boroughs of Three Springs and Saltillo and Huntingdon County in general.”
RACP, a $3.1 billion program administered through the Office of the Budget, provides grants for development projects that boost the economic, civic, cultural, recreational or historical value of the surrounding community.
CONTACT: Nathan Akers, 717-787-5490