HARRISBURG – Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), along with area state house members, announced today that multiple community improvement projects across Blair, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin Counties were awarded more than $5.1 million in Local Share Account (LSA) and Act 13 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
“This funding will address critical needs across our district, including infrastructure, public safety and essential services across these five counties,” Ward said. “The statewide LSA and Act 13 grant programs provide a financially responsible and affordable way for our local governments to make necessary improvements to their community and increase the quality of life.”
“The statewide LSA grant program is a vital tool for municipalities as they seek to improve or repair infrastructure or meet other unique needs,” Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-171) said. “The grants are very competitive and the projects that are funded will improve quality of life for local communities.”
“This funding will remove two eyesores in our community and will improve our streetscapes,” Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-79) said. “This will also alleviate public safety hazards and will decrease maintenance costs to the city for years to come.”
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to have helped secure this support for our local communities,” Rep. Jesse Topper (R-78) said. “These funds will directly benefit residents across the county through improved public safety and infrastructure, and enhancements to recreational opportunities.”
“Helping our municipalities obtain much-needed equipment and tackle projects eases the burden on local taxpayers,” Rep. Scott Barger (R-80) said. “These resources will go far within our communities.”
“I am happy to have advocated for each of these grants and am thankful the CFA realized the worth of these projects and approved the funding,” Rep. Rich Irvin (R-81) said. “This money will go a long way in helping improve our communities and the people they serve.”
“Kish Park is an important space for recreation in Mifflin County,” said Rep. David Rowe (R-85) said. “I’m thankful Derry Township is receiving Act 13 state grant funding to support the completion of phase one of the walking trail project. When grant funds are invested in our communities, local governments save money and residents reap the benefits.”
The following LSA projects were approved:
Blair County
- Altoona City – Abandonment of Pedestrian Underpasses – $296,800
LSA funds will be used to remove two abandoned pedestrian underpasses by filling in the existing underground structures with a fill material and carrier pipe.
- Antis Township – Township Building Energy Upgrades – $200,000
LSA funds will be used to remove 46-year-old boilers and replace air handlers and pumps with new, high-efficiency heat pumps at the Antis Township Municipal Building.
- Blair County Airport Authority – Airport Terminal Rehabilitation Planning/Design – $250,000
LSA funds will be used for planning, consulting and design and engineering costs necessary to rehabilitate the terminal.
- Greenfield Township Municipal Authority – Water Wells Feasibility Study – $155,000
LSA funds will be used to complete a planning study evaluating the condition of two public water supply wells, which serve a system of 680 customers among a population of 2,500 residents.
- Hollidaysburg Borough – Phoenix Fire Company Building Renovations – $257,000
LSA funds will be used to replace the 40-year-old failing roof and install a 55.47 KW roof mount solar system. The current roof of the building is 40 years old and is showing cracks and leaks.
- Juniata Township – Juniata Township Local Shares Statewide – Wheel Loader – $100,000
LSA funds will be used to purchase a four-wheel drive wheel loader to replace their 2009 Mustang skid steer.
- Roaring Spring Borough – Highway Maintenance Vehicle – $100,000
LSA funds will be used to purchase a new work truck and additional modifications to transform the truck into a plow truck and salt spreader.
- Snyder Township – Snyder Township Maintenance Garage – $400,000
LSA funds will be used for construction and administrative costs to construct a 4,000 square foot maintenance garage with three large garage bays to store roadway equipment.
Fulton County
- Bedford Fulton Joint Recreation Authority – TOPP Trail Maintenance Tractor – $30,622
LSA funds would be used to purchase a new tractor with a mowing attachment and front-end loader to help maintain the sides of the trail and tunnels to make it safe for hikers and cyclists.
- Belfast Township Municipal Authority – Village of Needmore Water System Phase 5 – $713,675
LSA funds will be used to construct a storage reservoir to maintain water supply in case of emergencies Including the addition of a generator for back-up purposes.
- Licking Creek Township – T-404/SR 1007 Sight Distance Improvements – $122,000
LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering and contingencies to remove a dirt embankment at this intersection to improve sightlines and road safety.
- Taylor Township – Snowplow Purchase – $149,005
LSA funds will be used to purchase a new plow truck. The new truck will assist in completing winter maintenance, hauling, and regular maintenance on roadways.
- Wells Township – Equipment Purchase – $279,574
LSA funds will be used to purchase a John Deere 5120M Utility Tractor with a mower attachment to remove weeds and debris which will prevent washouts through managing berms and drainage ditches.
Huntingdon County
- Cromwell Township – Ambulance – $650,000
LSA funds will be used to purchase two new ambulances to replace an aging fleet that has required significant maintenance in recent years.
- Huntingdon Borough – Bryan Park Expansion – $31,132
LSA funds will be used to expand the park by creating a new entertainment stage for concerts and other events, as well as demolishing a neighboring area to the park to expand it.
- Smithfield Township – Teener League Field Lighting– $55,607
LSA funds will be used to install a new lighting system at three Standing Stone Post #1754 VFW baseball/softball fields that are operated by VFW Teener Baseball League of Huntingdon.
Juniata County
- Delaware Township – New Salt Shed – $150,000
LSA funds will be used to construct a new salt shed to replace an existing storage shed that is over fifty years old and deteriorating.
Mifflin County
- Bratton Township – Ridge Road (T-333) Improvement Project – $200,000
LSA funds will be used for road base repair, shoulder maintenance, and pavement improvements by overlay of Ridge Road between SR 0103 and Horningford Road (T-307).
- Lewistown Borough – City Hook & Ladder Facility Upgrades – $500,000
LSA Funds will be used for HVAC and electrical upgrades, which will improve facility ventilation and will improve heating and electrical systems. It also includes drainage and parking lot improvements.
- Lewistown Borough – Embassy Theatre Historic Rehabilitation – $250,000
LSA funds will be used to continue constructing and engineering Phase 2 of rehabilitating the historical Embassy Theatre, primarily focusing on fire suppression, infrastructure repairs, utilities and lighting.
The following Act 13 – Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program projects were approved:
- Derry Township, Mifflin County – Kish Park Walking Trail Phase I – $105,000
Act 13 funds will be used for improvements to Kishacoquillas Park, including the rehabilitation of the one-mile walking trail.
- Orbisonia Borough, Huntingdon County – T. E. Orbison Park – $161,266
Act 13 funds will be used to construct a new memorial park to honor the borough’s founder, Thomas E. Orbison, and highlight the area’s rich industrial and railroad heritage. The project will include the construction of a curved brick memorial wall with wrought iron railing, vintage-style benches, brick pavers, landscaping, lighting, and an interpretive display featuring a historic bell and plaque.
The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages. The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 provides for the distribution of gaming revenue through the CFA.
CONTACT: Nathan Akers, 717-787-2421