HARRISBURG – Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Rep. Rich Irvin (R-81) today announced that the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) granted more than $3,600,000 to two Huntingdon County organizations, Juniata College and the East Broad Top Foundation.
“These two capital investments in Huntingdon County are exciting for the community,” said Ward. “The Juniata College project will greatly enhance the healthcare system in the county by offering new space for the college’s nursing program, as well as new office and medical space for medical providers. Funding to restore the two bridges in the southern end of the county will allow the continued expansion of the East Broad Top Railroad, creating additional tourism, economic, and community development,” she added. “Both of these projects offer significant opportunities for the growth and development of the area, and I was happy to support them.”
“I advocated for both of these important projects to receive funding,” said Irvin. “Access to quality health care is a significant challenge in rural communities. The Juniata College Community Health Redevelopment Project can address this by providing health care services and skilled nursing education. I am also excited about the funding for the East Broad Top Foundation, which will enhance recreational opportunities in the area. With the East Broad Top Railroad attracting thousands of visitors each year, an expanded rail route will further boost its economic impact.”
Juniata College was awarded $2,000,000 to support the creation of a nursing school. The project will construct a well-prepared site ready for vertical construction, including improved drainage and wastewater systems, establish parking areas and traffic flow to improve internal site circulation, establish a weather-tight and secure building envelope with essential building systems (i.e. MEP, fire protection) and create new office and medical space.
The East Broad Top Foundation was awarded more than $1,600,000 to support the strategic restoration plan for the property, bringing two bridges back into service, and in turn expanding the tourist rail route experience for visitors. The first of these two, the Pogue Bridge is a historic Warren truss and girder deck bridge that carried the East Broad Top Railroad over Aughwick Creek. The second, Three Springs Bridge (circa 1907), is 80 feet long and spans Three Springs Creek. The bridge is intact and is visible from the highway bridge just south of Three Springs.
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.
Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and X (Twitter) @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.
Residents can follow Irvin on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RepIrvin for news pertaining to the 81st Legislative District in Franklin and Huntingdon counties. Constituents can sign up for his e-newsletter at www.RepIrvin.com/Email-Signup.
Ward contact: Nathan Akers
717-787-2421
Irvin contact: Tricia Lehman
717-772-9840