HARRISBURG — Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) announced multiple community improvement projects across Mercer County were awarded a total of more than $2 million in Local Share Account (LSA) – Statewide funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
“I always appreciate working together with people here at home to help secure these funds for Mercer County and will continue making sure our communities have what they need to grow and thrive. I look forward to working with local officials, economic development leaders, and State Representatives Tim Bonner and Parke Wentling to continue to help maximize grant opportunities for residents and our communities,” said Brooks. “This funding will help emergency warning systems, provide municipalities with the equipment needed to maintain their roads, and prepare former industrial sites for new economic opportunities and job growth.
Greenville-Reynolds Development Corporation weas awarded $150,000 to support the construction of a 16,000‑square‑foot expandable speculative industrial building at the former Damascus site to address regional building shortages and promote commercial or industrial development opportunities.
“Greenville-Reynolds Development Corporation is very appreciative for Senator Brooks and her efforts in securing this grant, which will help supplement the redevelopment of the former brownfield at the gateway of the Reynolds Community and Industrial Parks,” said Brad Gosser, Executive Director and Vice President of Greenville-Reynolds Development Corp.
Other approved projects include
Fairview Township – Trailer Purchase – $33,900
Purchase of a new trailer to replace its outdated unit and perform maintenance work on township-owned properties, rights-of-ways, and roadways.
Greene Township – Dump Truck Purchase – $100,000
Purchase of a new Ford F‑600 diesel dump truck with plow, spreader and hydraulic upfitting to perform road repairs and snow removal, replacing an aging, unreliable, and costly vehicle.
Greenville Borough – Trinity North Site Development Project – $125,000
Demolition, clearing and grading of the blighted six-acre former industrial site to prepare clean, development-ready land for future community use.
Hempfield Township – StrayHaven – $450,000
Construction of a new facility to replace its current 25-year-old building, expanding kennel capacity for cats and dogs by over 45%, reduce intake waitlists, better control disease, lower energy costs, and reduce stress on the animals. This project will support the creation of a new animal shelter, including construction, site preparation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fixtures, and finishes. It additionally supports kennel installation, drainage systems, ventilation, quarantine areas, and intake and exam room, grooming space, adoption lobby, and community education room.
Hermitage City – Wheatland Neighborhood Public Works Investment Project – $325,000
Renovate the Public Works and Maintenance Garage, including repairs to the existing structure, improvements to the driveway entrance, and construction of an addition to house a Vactor Truck. Project funds will be used to replace deteriorated flooring, siding, metal roofing, gutters, fascia, and downspouts, as well as metal man doors and door frames.
Mercer Borough – Emergency Weather Siren – $30,000
Replacement of a nonfunctioning, decades‑old weather siren with a new unit to provide reliable advance warning of severe weather for borough residents.
Penn-Northwest Development Corp. – Baughman Family Community Center – $300,000
Replacement of the boiler system at the Baughman Family Community Center, which provides childcare, recreation, and wellness programs to 1,800 members. The Community Center is planning to replace the facility’s existing boiler system, which operates far below modern efficiency standards and is encased in asbestos and lead. The project includes hazardous materials abatement, demolition, plumbing, and installation of new boilers, pumps, electric panels, and controls.
Perry Township – Municipal Equipment Purchase – $100,000
Purchase of a boom mower and backhoe to perform road maintenance in-house, allowing more frequent upkeep, improved road conditions, and reduced long-term costs.
Springfield Township – Equipment and Building Upgrades – $360,644
Upgrade equipment to ensure community safety and allow for more efficiency. Purchase a new Backhoe, a new diesel truck with uplift, and a new zero turn mower. The new truck with uplift will have the ability to plow, and spreader will enhance road maintenance, winter operations, and overall service delivery.
Washington Township – JCB Hydradig 2025 – $200,000
Purchase a JCB Hydradig with dozer blade and stabilizers, digging bucket, tilt bucket, mower, ditcher head, broom, and cold planer. The JCB Hydradig will allow for the township to complete various roadway projects safely, quickly, and with fewer employees.
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.