Area communities get beautification money

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

Multiple Allegheny County municipalities in the Mon Valley were awarded a portion of $12 million in funding during a Commonwealth Financing Authority meeting this week to assist with blight remediation.

Projects include demolishing abandoned properties, preparing sites for redevelopment, repairing roadways and curbs, building new residences, redeveloping brownfield sites and more.

“The Blight Remediation Program was created to help municipalities undergo remediation activities, making our communities safer and more pleasant for both residents and visitors alike,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “The millions of dollars in funding approved today will serve as a lifeline to communities struggling with blight as well as a critical resource in maintaining a high quality of life everywhere in Pennsylvania.”

In Allegheny County, 23 municipalities and organizations are receiving about $2.1 million.

State Sen. Jim Brewster, a Democrat and former McKeesport mayor, held a virtual public hearing in March on improving Pennsylvania’s blight remediation efforts. He said more than $1.3 million worth of the grant funds will benefit communities in the 45th Senatorial District, which he represents and includes Allegheny County communities in the Mon Valley and Westmoreland County communities in the Alle-Kiski Valley.

The senator said the money was awarded as part of the CFA’s Blight Remediation Program.

According to Brewster, McKeesport will receive $294,063 to restore and rebuild properties in the downtown business district to complement other demolition projects in the city.

“Run-down and abandoned buildings hamper local efforts to attract new residents and businesses and grow the tax base,” Brewster said. “These grants are important investments in communities that will pay dividends in the years to come.”

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