Valley towns awarded grants, LSA funds
Millions of dollars in funding was awarded to local municipalities for projects.
This week, several state legislators announced millions of dollars in Local Share Account (LSA) grant funds for their respective communities in their districts.
One of the big winners in this round of funding LSA disbursements was the City of Monessen. Mayor Ron Mozer expressed excitement about the surprise, perfectly timed right before Christmas. Monessen received a total of $614,529 for public works equipment and first responder vehicles.
“With so many communities competing for limited LSA dollars, these awards speak volumes,” Mozer said. “This funding directly strengthens our police, fire, and public works departments and helps us continue delivering core services to our residents.”
According to Mozer, $216,770 will go towards an asphalt zipper, $154,688 for fire department equipment, $142,162 for two police cars, and $100,909 for a truck and specialized road maintenance equipment. LSA grants support economic develop ment, job training, community improvement and public interest projects through gaming funds generated at Pennsylvania casinos. The funds are approved through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an indep endent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Mozer credited City Administrator Mike Korposh for applying for the money and state Senate President Tempore Kim Ward, R-Hempfield Township, and state Rep. Eric Davanzo, R-Smithton, for securing the money for their districts.
“These grants represent much-needed improvements in local communities. Every local government has a list of needs that is outside their budget, so this is a great use of gaming monies that will TOWN GRANTS •A4
Davanzo better equip local governments to respond to their residents,” Davanzo said. “Sen. Kim Ward certainly played a big part in getting these grants across the finish line and I appreciated working with her.”
Korposh praised those who helped get the money for Monessen.
“I wanted to emphasize the work that has been put in by Sen. Ward and her staff, especially Dottie Staffen and Rep. Eric Davanzo and his Chief of Staff Brian Sokol,” Korposh said. “In addition, Monessen Chief Dave Yuhasz, Rodney Freeman of our streets and parks crew and Delmar Hepple of our fire departments were extremely helpful in making this happen.”
Lawmakers announced the following area projects were also approved for funding:
Allegheny County
In Allegheny County, state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-West Mifflin, and state Reps. John Inglis, D-West Mifflin, Dan Goughnour, D-McKeesport, and Andrew Kuzma, R-Elizabeth Township, announced a total of $5,170,952 in state grant awards for their districts combined.
“These investments reflect the priorities I hear from communities, including safer infrastructure, accessible public spaces, and facilities that serve residents now and into the future,” Pisciottano said. “This funding allows us to move forward with projects that improve how people live, work, and interact in their communities.”
The $5 million includes LSA funds, as well as Act 13 Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program (GTRP) grants.
The following grants were awarded:
• $425,000 to West Mifflin for the Community & Recreation Center (Pisciottano, Goughnour, Inglis).
• $312,300 to Port Vue for borough facility upgrades (Pisciottano and Goughnour).
• $250,000 to Clairton Municipal Authority for the replacement of the Dry Run sewer interceptor (Pisciottano and Goughnour).
• $250,000 to McKeesport for a municipal buildings improvement project (Pisciottano and Goughnour).
• $225,000 to West Mifflin Sanitary Sewer & Stormwater Authority for storm sewer installation and concrete restoration on Outlook Drive (Pisciottano, Goughnour, Inglis).
• $198,110 to Forward Township for Saddler’s Hollow Road repairs (Pisciottano and Kuzma).
• $150,000 to Elizabeth Township for building renovations at the Workingmens Mutual Beneficiary Union (Pisciottano and Kuzma).
• $106,651 to Tri-COG Land Bank for the acquisition and demolition of abandoned and blighted properties in Clairton, Homestead, McKeesport, South Versailles, and West Homestead (Pisciottano and Goughnour).
• $117,000 to Buena Vista Volunteer Fire Department for recreational facility renovations (Pisciottano and Kuzma).
• $100,000 to Elizabeth Township for the construction of a multi-purpose athletic field (Pisciottano and Kuzma).
• $62,060 to Dravosburg for restroom installation at the public works building (Pisciottano and Inglis).
• $60,800 to Elizabeth Township for the purchase of a skid steer (Pisciottano and Kuzma).
• $24,750 to West Elizabeth for borough building renovations (Pisciottano and Kuzma).
Pisciottano, in his statement, said that funds were secured thanks to collaboration between him and the three state representatives.
“I’m grateful to partner with my colleagues in the House to advocate for these projects and ensure our communities receive the resources they need,” Pisciottano added. “By working together across districts and chambers, we’re able to bring meaningful investments back to our region.”
Fayette County
In Fayette County, state Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Bullskin Township and state Rep. Ryan Warner, R-Perryopolis, announced grant awards for the following: • Perryopolis Borough will receive $96,437 for a stormwater restoration project.
• Washington Township will receive $170,000 for the purchase of a wheel loader for road repair and emergency response.
• Perry Township will receive $187,513, on behalf of the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, for the construction of a building addition to house vehicles and emergency equipment.
“These are important investments that allow our local governments to better meet the needs of their residents without increasing the tax burden on them,” Warner said. “I was pleased to advocate for these projects.”
Washington County
Across county lines, Kuzma and state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township also announced funds for communities in their district that are within the borders of Washington County.
“I’m happy to support these worthwhile and important projects,” Kuzma said. “Each addresses a critical need in our community. The impact of each will extend for many years, strengthening our communities, improving our quality of life and enhancing the area’s future.”
Kuzma and Bartolotta announced $100,000 for the City of Monongahela to replace catch basins and stormwater pipes near Mounds Park. They also added that New Eagle Borough will receive $200,000 to replace the roof and mechanical systems at the New Eagle Volunteer Fire Department social hall.
Bartolotta also announced $350,000 for Donora to construct a new public works facility. She added that Speers Borough, on behalf of the Charleroi Regional Police Department, will receive $498,297 to purchase and upfit six new police vehicles.
“These grants will help local governments tackle important projects that might otherwise be out of reach due to significant costs,” Bartolotta said. “Whether it’s improving public safety, protecting our environment or creating better spaces for families and residents to enjoy, this funding is a direct investment in the strength and quality of life of our communities.”
State Rep. Bud Cook, R-West Pike Run Township, announced $200,000 for West Brownsville Borough so it can fix a storm sewer to address flooding and drainage issues.
Westmoreland County
In Westmoreland County, besides Monessen, Ward and Davanzo announced LSA funds for several other communities in the county.
The following municipalities received funding:
• North Belle Vernon Borough, $400,000, to renovate a soccer field in the North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park. These funds will be used to restore and enhance the park’s soccer field, improve spectator seating and add new ADA-compliant amenities, including accessible seating and a water fountain. Additional upgrades include new trash and recycling receptacles, helping keep the park clean and welcoming for everyone who uses it.
• Rostraver Township, $250,000, for public works equipment, construction of an ADA-compliant restroom building and a pavilion at the DiVirgilio Sports Complex.
• Rostraver Township Sewage Authority, $250,000, for renovations at the Pollock Run Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Pisciottano
Goughnour
Inglis
Kuzma
Stefano
Bartolotta
Cook
