HARRISBURG — Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), Rep. Scott Barger (R-80), Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-174), Rep. Rich Irvin (R-81), Rep. Perry Stambaugh (R-86), Rep. Jesse Topper (R-78) and Rep. Andrea Verobish (R-79) announced today multiple community improvement projects across Blair, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin counties were awarded more than $5.2 million in Local Share Account (LSA) funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
“Securing funding for these projects strengthens public safety, improves emergency response, modernizes water and sewer systems, and ensures reliable municipal operations which will improve the quality of life for residents across the 30th district,” said Ward. “I’m pleased to have supported these grant applications, and grateful the CFA recognized their importance and awarded the funding.”
“Our local fire companies, police departments, municipal governments and healthcare providers are pillars of our region, and these grants strengthen the vital services they deliver every day,” said Rep. Scott Barger (R-80). “Their work keeps our communities safe, connected and cared for.”
“I was proud to fight to secure this funding, which will support critical infrastructure projects across our community,” said Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-174). “These will include necessary upgrades to equipment for townships and major improvements for our roads.”
“I’m pleased we were able to secure this much funding for projects across the district,” said Rep. Rich Irvin (R-81). “This grant money helps alleviate the financial burden on our communities to purchase equipment, make needed infrastructure improvements and increase public safety without using taxpayer dollars.
“This funding will support firefighters at Friendship Fire Company No. 1 who volunteer their time and energy to serve the Port Royal area on a daily basis,” said Rep. Perry Stambaugh (R-86). “In particular, this funding will enhance the fire company’s community building to better serve residents.”
“This vital funding will assist communities with purchasing vehicles to better serve residents through their public works departments, make needed improvements to a township building and assist with renovating a fire station so our cherished first responders can better hold fund raising events,” said Rep. Jesse Topper (R-78) “These are improvements right here in our communities that will have positive impacts on residents. I thank the CFA for recognizing the value of these projects.”
“This funding supports our local governments and everyone they serve,” said Rep. Andrea Verobish (R-79). “By making these investments in new vehicles and equipment, and embracing new technologies, we are setting our communities up for success for decades to come.”
The following LSA projects were approved:
Blair County
- Allegheny Township — $111,561 — To purchase and upfit a new snowplow truck due to costly repairs and unreliability of the current truck essential for maintaining 41.28 miles of township roads.
- Altoona City — $252,694 — To replace outdated, aging fire hoses and nozzles with modern NFPA‑compliant equipment.
- Altoona Water Authority — $437,591 — To purchase and upfit a camera system vehicle for proactive maintenance and early detection of leaks, blockages and structural issues.
- Blair County — $952,389 — To purchase new mobile radios for 22 fire companies due to aging, end‑of‑life communications equipment.
- Duncansville Borough — $65,844 — To purchase a new police vehicle replacing an unreliable 2017 interceptor with electrical and mechanical issues.
- Duncansville Municipal Authority — $165,200 — To install a tray aerator to improve water quality and reduce operational costs by removing contaminants and gases.
- Huston Township — $600,000 — To replace the deteriorated superstructure of Negley Spring Road Bridge No. 1 to prevent closure and ensure safe access for residents and emergency vehicles.
- Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission — $175,000 — To purchase a digital x‑ray machine to replace outdated equipment, lowering radiation exposure and improving image quality.
Fulton County
- Dublin Township — $121,229 — To replace an 11‑year‑old dump truck that has rust, high repair costs and fails to meet PA safety standards.
- Dublin Township — $25,000 — To replace a failing furnace and aging kitchen equipment used in fire operations and fundraising.
- Dublin Township — $30,268 — For insulation upgrades and generator installation to ensure the building can function as a reliable emergency shelter.
- Taylor Township — $153,340 — To purchase an F600 plow truck to replace an aging and frequently breaking plow vehicle.
Huntingdon County
- Alexandria Borough Water Authority — $81,970 — To replace their only 16‑year‑old pickup truck needed for water meter readings, snow removal and hauling equipment.
- Broad Top City Borough — $150,000 — To replace sanitary sewer pipe, lateral pipe and manholes to prevent backups and protect system integrity.
- Marklesburg Authority — $303,500 — To replace a failing 30‑year‑old UV wastewater disinfection system to maintain compliance and protect water quality.
- Petersburg Borough Authority — $150,000 — To replace an aging cast‑iron water main with continued breaks, installing a new 6‑inch PVC main and laterals.
- Shirley Township General Authority — $73,326 — To replace pumps and mixing valves at two sewage lift stations to reduce inflow/infiltration and improve reliability.
- Walker Township Municipal Authority — $200,000 — To construct a second water main to ensure reliable service for 300 users in case the primary main fails.
- Warriors Mark Township — $150,000 — To construct a new municipal building to replace insufficient space currently limited to one room in a fire station.
Juniata County
- Port Royal Borough — $500,000 — To design and construct restroom facilities at the Friendship Fire Company and Community Hall to meet accessibility and safety standards.
Mifflin County
- Armagh Township — $155,900 — To buy a mini‑excavator for stormwater damage repair, sewer maintenance, culvert work and general township infrastructure needs.
- Bratton Township — $200,000 — For sewer system cleaning, televising and inspections to proactively reduce inflow and infiltration and identify needed repairs.
- Wayne Township — $150,000 — To pave and repair severely deteriorated Irving Ridge Road, improving safety and restoring a key travel route.
The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development which administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.