Laurel Highlands Today

Senator Pat Stefano and Representative Eric Davanzo have announced that Scottdale Borough in Westmoreland County will receive a $38,000 state grant. The grant, awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), will be used to acquire and upgrade crucial equipment for the Scottdale Fire Department.

The funding will facilitate the purchase of hydrant adaptors to improve water supply connectivity, escape belts to enhance firefighter safety, tools for better forcible entry and battery efficiency, as well as saws for fire control and debris removal.

Highlighting the significance of the grant, Senator Stefano remarked, "Pennsylvania’s firefighters have an incredibly stressful, difficult job to protect people and property in terrifying circumstances. It shouldn’t be made even more challenging because of the pressure to fundraise simply to have the critical equipment the job requires. This grant will ease the burden for the men and women who already do so much for all of us."

The grant is part of the CFA’s Local Share Account Program, which backs projects aimed at public interest, community improvement, and economic development, using funds generated by casinos. Representative Davanzo emphasized, "While there are plenty of projects our municipalities would love to complete, most don’t have the resources to cross off everything on their wish lists. I’m glad we were able to bring this funding back to our district to make these important equipment and facility upgrades."

The CFA operates as an independent agency within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, responsible for managing the state’s economic stimulus initiatives.

For further information, Amanda Cuteri from Sen. Stefano’s office can be reached at 717-787-7175, or Jordan Frei at Rep. Davanzo’s office at 724-875-8450.