(HARRISBURG) – Eight municipalities and local organizations in the 35th Senatorial District have been awarded more than $1.45 million in state grants for transportation and recreation projects that will benefit community residents and promote economic development, according to Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35).
Langerholc said grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) under its Multimodal Transportation Funding Program and Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages.
“These projects will promote economic development in our downtown areas, enhance public safety, promote new recreation opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents who live, and work here,” Langerholc said. “I am excited to see the long-lasting benefits these projects will provide to our residents and communities.” Listed below are those receiving grants and a project description.
Multimodal Transportation Funding Program
Cooper Township, Kylertown — $388,329 for road improvements and the replacement of a box culvert in Cooper Township, Clearfield County. The grant will be used to widen and pave the narrow deteriorating roadway of Sportsmans Road in Kylertown; pave the total length of German Road in Drifting and eliminate a portion of hazardous dirt and gravel road; and replace a severely deteriorated and hazardous bridge culvert in the Village of Grassflat with a box culvert to be located on Clearfield Street. The total project cost is $554,757.
DLP Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown — $91,460 grant for improvements to Scalp Avenue in Richland Township to provide services to the East Hills Outpatient Center. The stand-alone ambulatory care center will offer convenient care to area residents. The improvements will include a left turn lane and new traffic light at Scalp Avenue and a covered bus stop on site for the Cambria County Transit Authority to provide service to the facility. The total project cost is $130,658.
Summerhill Borough, Summerhill — $420,110 grant to safely connect pedestrian and bicycle traffic to recreation and public assets located in the Forest Hills Region of Summerhill Borough, Cambria County, including the Main Line Canal Greenway, the Recreation and Memorial Park areas, and the municipal building and fire station. The project includes replacing inadequate sidewalks, adding six ADA ramps and installing new designated crosswalk areas to promote safety. The total project cost is $600,665.
Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program
City of Johnston, Johnstown — $225,000 grant for improvements to Roxbury Park. The project involves equipping the park with a new storm water drainage system, replacing rusted fencing and backstops, installing energy-efficient lighting at the various recreational courts and fields and repairing the maintenance facility roof. The total project cost is $295,000.
Bedford Joint Municipal Authority, Bedford — $200,000 grant for the design and permitting of the Northern Extension of the Bedford Heritage Trail located in Bedford Borough and Bedford Township.
The project will include construction of a two-mile extension to the existing 2.6 miles of trail, beginning at Fort Bedford Park and ending at Old Bedford Village. The total project cost is $298,100.
Johnstown Concert Ballet, Johnstown — $6,000 state grant to construct a small park the City of Johnstown that is located adjacent to their building at 318 Broad Street. The lot will include a small greenspace with benches, lighting and greenery. The total project cost is $40,000.
Community Foundation of Greater Johnstown, dba Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Johnstown — $87,499 state grant for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at Westmont Elementary School in Westmont Borough, Cambria County. The playground will be used during the day by elementary school students and by the general community during non-school hours. The total project cost is $102,941.
Coaches 4 Kids Foundation, Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center, Johnstown — $34,000 state grant for material costs to rehabilitate Dale Borough Park in Conemaugh Township, Cambria County. The project includes the clearing of 34.8 acres of park and the construction of a new football field, parking area and playground. The total project cost is $40,000.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando (717) 599-1164 gdando@pasen.gov