HARRISBURG – Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) and Rep. Marla Brown (R-9) announced today several community improvement projects across Lawrence County received state funding totaling nearly $2.2 million to support critical infrastructure upgrades, community improvements and public safety investments across Lawrence County. The funding includes Local Share Account (LSA) grants and Act 13 allocations that will strengthen wastewater systems, enhance community spaces, improve downtown business districts and support emergency services.
“From infrastructure upgrades to downtown revitalization, community centers and fire protection, these projects represent meaningful investments in our communities here at home to enhance our quality of life, as well as help Lawrence County grow and thrive,” said Brooks. “I want to thank our local governments and economic development organizations for submitting strong applications and I look forward to continuing to partner with them, and Representative Brown, to secure future funding for our communities.”
“This funding represents real, tangible progress for Lawrence County,” said Brown. “By investing in wastewater systems, emergency services and community spaces, we are addressing long standing infrastructure needs while making our towns safer, stronger and better equipped for the future.”
Local Share Account (LSA) Funding
Bessemer Municipal Authority – Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanical Bar Screen Project – $325,000
Funding will support improvements to the influent structure and treatment process at the wastewater treatment plant. The project includes modifications to the existing influent structure, construction of a headworks building over the influent channel and installation of a chain-and-rake mechanical bar screen to remove debris. Removed materials will be washed, dewatered, compacted and disposed of at a landfill.
Mahoning Township – Wastewater Treatment Plant and Pump Station Upgrades – $625,000
This project will install a new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system at the wastewater treatment plant and six pump stations, allowing for remote monitoring and control of operations. Additional upgrades include replacement of aging pump station equipment, piping, fittings, guide rails and access hatches, as well as the purchase of spare pumps to reduce downtime during emergencies.
Neshannock Township – Hutchison Community Center Improvements, Phase II – $328,722
Funding will support Phase II improvements to the Hutchison Community Center, including approximately 3,330 square feet of covered outdoor gathering and educational space, seating for up to 180 people and construction of a masonry wood-burning fireplace. These upgrades will expand community programming and event opportunities.
New Castle Sanitation Authority – Combination Sewer Flusher Truck and Dump Truck – $350,000
LSA funding will be used to purchase a combination sewer flusher truck and a dump truck to support wastewater treatment plants and collection systems serving multiple municipalities throughout Lawrence County.
New Wilmington Borough – Vine Street Business District Improvement Project – $100,000
This project will revitalize Vine Street, the heart of New Wilmington’s downtown business district. Improvements include new streetlights, roadway reconstruction, new curbs and sidewalks and stormwater management upgrades.
North Beaver Township Municipal Authority – Grinder Pump Replacement Project – $100,000
Funding will allow for the purchase and installation of 20 new grinder pumps to replace aging units that are more than 20 years old. The project will help prevent wastewater backups, protect treatment facilities and ensure reliable sewage transport.
Washington Township – Fire Tanker Acquisition – $200,000
LSA funds will be used to purchase a new 2,000-gallon fire tanker, expanding firefighting capacity and improving emergency response. The additional tanker will help minimize property damage and enhance public safety throughout the township.
Act 13 Funding
City of New Castle – NCPL Carousel Building – $100,000
Taylor Township – Taylor Township Park Rehabilitation – $50,000
The statewide LSA program distributes gaming revenue to economic development projects. The Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program funds projects involving development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation. 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.
CONTACTS:
Adam Gingrich (Brooks)
Rick Leiner (Brown)