HARRISBURG – Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) announced today several projects across Lawrence County received Local Share Account (LSA) – Statewide grants totaling more than $1.6 million to support critical infrastructure upgrades, redevelopment, and public safety investments.
“I appreciate the opportunity to work with our local communities and state representatives to help bring these important grants back to the area that will have a meaningful impact in Lawrence County by improving the services that residents rely on every day,” said Brooks. “From safer, better-maintained roads and improved emergency communications, this funding will help our communities for not only today, but for years to come. Including rehabilitating a blighted area that has the potential to attract new businesses and expand jobs.”
Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation was awarded $200,000 for the demolition of the blighted former blighted Whittaker Company in the City of New Castle. The project aims to demolish all existing structures and redevelop the site for industrial use to support approximately 10-15 businesses. Project costs will include demolition of structures, site utilities, stormwater improvements where necessary, parking, site lighting, and construction of a 10,500 sq. ft. leasable industrial building.
“We appreciate Senator Michele Brooks’ and Rep. Marla Brown’s support of the Whittaker Redevelopment Project. Removing blight and constructing a new manufacturing facility will create opportunities for jobs and investment, while providing space for Lawrence County businesses to grow and expand,” said Diane Richardson, Director, Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation. “This project is an important step forward for the future of New Castle and our entire county.”
Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation – Wright Building – $200,000
Redevelop the former R.E. Whittaker Roto Wash facility in New Castle City into an industrial site. The project will demolish approximately 19,000 square feet of deteriorated structures and construct a new 10,500-square-foot leasable industrial building, along with site utilities, stormwater improvements, parking and lighting. The site is expected to support approximately 10-15 businesses
Mahoning Township – Wastewater Treatment Plant and Pump Station Upgrades – $350,000 Upgrade equipment at the township’s wastewater treatment plant and pump stations. Improvements include installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, replacement of the wastewater treatment plant centrifuge, pump station duplex pumps and two speed reducers. The upgrades will improve monitoring, efficiency and reliability while reducing breakdowns and long-term operating and maintenance costs.
New Wilmington Borough – Police Radio Project – $114,267
Replacement of outdated and unsupported police radios with new portable, mobile and base units to ensure reliable communication with community partners.
North Beaver Township Municipal Authority – Sewer Improvements – $200,000
Upgrading aging sewer infrastructure, including outdated grinder pumps and force mains. The project will install new grinder pumps to prevent residential backups, protect the environment, and safeguard treatment facility equipment.
Plain Grove Township – Public Works Mower – $150,000
Replacement of an outdated 2003 public works tractor with a new unit equipped with mower, broom and ditcher attachments to improve the township’s capacity to perform essential maintenance activities that support roadway safety, drainage, and visibility.
Slippery Rock Township – Hydradig Purchase – $200,000
Purchase of a JCB Hydradig wheeled excavator with multiple attachments, replacing equipment over 30-years-old, in order to more cost-effectively and efficiently mow, remove trees, and perform road berm maintenance along the township’s 48.5 miles of roadway.
Taylor Township – Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrades – $250,000
Rehabilitation of the existing concrete chlorine contact tanks for installation of ultraviolet disinfection and effluent flood stage pumping; New aerobic digester, constructed in above-ground bolted steel glass-lined tank; Replacement of the proposed headworks building with an outdoor rated mechanical screen or grinder.
Washington Township – Boom Mower Acquisition – $150,000
Purchase of a tractor with boom mower and ditcher attachments to enable township supervisors to perform mowing, brush cutting, tree trimming, and drainage maintenance along the township-maintained roads in a timely, less costly manner.
The statewide LSA – Statewide program distributes gaming revenue to economic development projects. The grants are funded through the Marcellus Shale Fund, which was created by Act 13 of 2012. 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.