Rowe: State grants awarded for several area projects

HARRISBURG –Government grants totaling more than $3.7 million were awarded to 85^th Legislative District through the Local Share Account (LSA) and Public School Facilities Improvement Grants (PSFIG) programs, according to Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata).

“Dollars from these grants will go towards important investments in services and facilities that will directly benefit the residents of our county,” Rowe said. “What’s even better is that LSA grants are funded by Pennsylvania’s gaming revenues, not taxpayer dollars. I’m thrilled to see the impact these grants will have on our communities, and I was pleased to be a voice for this important funding.”

85^th District grants are as follows:

• Borough of Beavertown, $450,000 to upgrade the Beavertown Municipal Authority wastewater treatment plant. LSA funds will be used to cover construction, engineering and administrative costs.
• Monroe Township, $590,908 to replace Hummels Wharf municipal government facilities with obstructions and root intrusions that cause clogging and overflow problems. LSA funds will be used to cover infrastructure, engineering and administrative costs.
• Franklin Township, $237,075 to purchase two ultraviolet disinfection systems for the Middleburg County and Franklin Township wastewater treatment plants. LSA funds will be used to purchase equipment and pay installation, engineering and administrative costs.
• Penn Township, $600,000 to build a second well that will improve reliability and flexibility in the event of an emergency in the township. LSA funds will be used to cover construction, design and professional services costs.
• Perry Township, $193,266 to the Fremont Fire Department to purchase new portable and mobile radios for 38 firefighters. LSA funds will be used to purchase this equipment.
• Middle West High School, $1.1 million to replace the existing 24-year-old roof, which is leaking and causing damage in several places. PSFIG funds will be used to cover construction and administrative costs.
• Juniata Valley YMCA, $600,000 to purchase and install a new climate control system for its 25-year-old pool. LSA funds will be used for equipment purchases, construction, engineering and administrative expenses.

Obtaining these public dollars was the result of a collaborative effort between Roe and Senators Judy Ward (R-30) and Linda Schlegel-Culver (R-27).

“The statewide Local Share Account (LSA) grant program is a vital tool for municipalities as they seek to improve or repair critical water, sewer or transportation infrastructure or address other unique needs,” Ward said. “While grants are highly competitive and not all projects may be funded, the projects funded in this round are well worth pursuing and will improve the quality of life for local communities.”

“It’s grants like this that help get major projects done that might otherwise be out of reach for local governments and governments,” Culver said. “State financial support will ensure these projects move forward and have a positive impact on the lives of Snyder County residents.”

The funding has been approved by the Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA). CFA is an independent agency that has a fiduciary responsibility to fund programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.

Questions about these grants can be directed to Rowe’s office at 570-837-0052.