Laurel Highlands Today

HARRISBURG – Senator Pat Stefano and Representative Charity Grimm Krupa announced the awarding of nearly $2.9 million in state grants by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).

Sen. Stefano stated, "I’m grateful to see this funding go toward essential equipment and infrastructure improvements that will expand our municipalities’ ability to operate more effectively and efficiently. Funding these critical projects will not only enhance public safety and environmental protection but further improve the quality of life for the residents of Fayette County. I applaud the local leaders and organizations that applied for these grants on their proactive approach to keeping our communities safe."

The grants, under the CFA’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program, utilize gaming money from casinos for projects focused on public interest, community improvement, and economic development.

Allocations include $420,030 for Fairchance Borough for dam analysis and breach work in Georges Township, $82,600 for Fayette County for a Hazmat Response Team ChemProX Meter in Uniontown City, and $103,402 for the National Pike Water Authority's planning phase of the Kulp Road Waterline Extension project in Markleysburg. Further grants went to North Union Township for a community access bridge and Springhill Township for road slide repairs. The State Line Municipal Service Authority will upgrade a water distribution system, and Wharton Township will purchase a broom badger for public works.

Rep. Grimm Krupa remarked, "Whether it’s a new roof for an elementary school or a new municipal street sweeper, each of these projects will help make life a little better for the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania. I’m thrilled to have played a part in bringing this funding back to our area. These dollars are crucial for the completion of these projects."

The Public School Facilities Improvement Grant (PSFIG) Program also contributed $897,500 to the Laurel Highlands School District for a roof replacement at Marshall Elementary School. The roof had reached its lifespan and was actively leaking.

The CFA is an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development, responsible for administering Pennsylvania's economic development and community improvement programs.