Several Pittsburgh-area communities are receiving big chunks of money through state grants announced by members of the Pennsylvania Legislature over the past few days.
Wilkinsburg is getting one of the largest pieces of the pie — nearly $5 million, state Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, announced Friday — through state grants being distributed locally.
Funded as part of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a state grant program administered by the Office of the Budget, the projects that will be funded aim to positively impact the community through increased economic activity.
“Today’s grants are a continuation of the investment I have prioritized for the Wilkinsburg community,” Mr. Costa said. “The combination of state resources we have allocated along with private sector funding has made Wilkinsburg a desirable place to live and do business.”
The money granted to Wilkinsburg includes:
- $1.75 million for the conversion of an old Texaco gas station on Ardmore Boulevard into a multistory commercial space with outdoor seating and new landscaping.
- $1.5 million of continued investment in the Hunter Building for refurbishing the space, which serves as an entry to Wilkinsburg’s business district.
- $1.25 million to Wilkinsburg Townhome Development for the construction of 14 townhouses.
- $500,000 for the Pleasant Bell Building to construct a midrise, mixed-use structure that will include tech space, housing units, and four storefronts for retail and services, replacing a vacant lot.
- $300,000 as the final installment of state investment in the Wilkinsburg Train Station.
“With the increased interest surrounding Wilkinsburg, these investments will be crucial to the current infrastructure and future of the Borough,” said state Rep.-elect Martell Covington. “I am excited to support this continued momentum and revitalization efforts along with Senator Costa.”
Mr. Costa also announced $4 million in RACP state grants for projects in two projects in Swissvale.
The Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale will receive $1.5 million for rehabilitation, improvements and the construction of a new two-story addition.
Additionally, the borough will receive $2.5 million to construct a new municipal building that will house the police department, borough administration, council chambers and a community gathering area.
“Libraries are a local treasure and I’m always happy to support the strong library system we have in this region. Further, I’m excited to watch the redevelopment of Swissvale’s municipal building and how it will better serve our constituents,” Mr. Costa said.
A newly constructed municipality complex will also be in the future for West Deer thanks to a $1.5 million RACP grant. The money will help support the engineering and architectural design, land preparation and the construction of the new structure.
“The grant is great news to our community,” said state Rep. Bob Brooks, R-Allegheny/Westmoreland. “West Deer Township is growing in a region that is losing population. The municipal building is too small to handle the day-to-day operations so an upgrade in the facility is needed.
State Rep. Jason Silvis, R-Westmoreland/Armstrong/Indiana, also announced Friday that $2.5 million of RACP funds will be awarded to Adelphoi, a Latrobe-based education and residential service provider focused on abused, neglected, delinquent and other at-risk children and their families.
Money for Adelphoi will go to building an enhanced supervision facility on the main campus in Unity. The 15-bed facility will be for girls in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems and is designed to offer care in a community-based residential environment.
Beaver Valley Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will also be awarded over $700,000 for building renovations. Planned to open this fall and located on Seventh Avenue in Beaver Falls, the two-floor building is coordinated by Geneva College, Penn State Beaver, Community College of Beaver County and Robert Morris University. It will have working stations, offices for small and new businesses, and conference rooms.
“The BIHIVE is a very important addition to our community,” said state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-Beaver/Lawrence/Butler. “We need to put an emphasis on educating our students, revitalizing our communities, promoting sustainability, attracting investments, building wealth, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating jobs. ”
Wild Things Park in North Franklin — home to the Frontier League’s Washington Wild Things — is in line for some renovations funded by $500,000 of state money.
“The Wild Things Park is home to not only minor league baseball but also hosts a variety of community events,” said state Rep. Tim O’Neal, R-Washington. “As with any structure, and especially outdoor facilities, repair and renovation is needed from time to time in order to maintain its usefulness. This funding will play an important role in improving player and fan experience.”
Mr. O’Neal also announced the release of $1 million to construct a new North Strabane public safety building. The new building will be located where the North Strabane Township Fire Department is right now. Part of the funds will go to demolishing the current structure and installing an emergency generator in the new building.
Arnold will get $53,000 in grants for improvements to Rankin Street, state Sen. Jim Brewster, D-Allegheny/Westmoreland, announced Friday. The money will go toward improvements — including paving, sidewalk enhancements and improved access for those with disabilities — on Rankin from Woodmont Avenue to Freeport Road.
“Our local communities have struggled to keep up with infrastructure improvements and state support is important,” Mr. Brewster said. “This grant will help make travel easier for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.”
The grant is through PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, which aims at improving local infrastructure for transportation.
A $1 million grant award will go to the Brashear Association, a nonprofit social services organization focused on south Pittsburgh, for the Hilltop Community Center project, said state Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, on Saturday.
“This is welcome news for Allegheny County,” Ms. Benham said. “The services that Brashear provides supports our seniors, expands economic opportunities for families, and helps engage young people. When we fund the Brashear Association, we see a direct impact on community health and public safety.”
A new multipurpose building will be constructed along with parking thanks to the RACP. The space will contain a market, a classroom and an office, a wellness and fitness space, bathrooms and a common area.
First Published: April 25, 2022, 4:00 a.m.
Updated: April 25, 2022, 9:46 a.m.
