PITTSBURGH, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police opening an investigation into a non-fatal New Year’s Eve shooting in which a woman was struck by gunfire inside her Constance Street home. The shots reportedly came from a neighboring Airbnb that was being used for a party. “We are witnessing the consequences of unregulated short-term rentals in our community,” said Powell, co-chair of the bipartisan Pennsylvania Housing Caucus. “The absence of clear rules governing these properties has led to dangerous situations and unnecessary chaos -- this incident could have had far more serious consequences. “This tragedy underscores what has been clear for some time: now is the time for short-term rental reform. That is why Representative Mary Jo Daley and I will soon be introducing legislation to establish a clear, statewide regulatory framework for short-term rentals. “This legislation will bring transparency and accountability to an industry that has operated in the shadows for far too long, while still supporting responsible hosts. It establishes baseline safety standards, clarifies oversight, and ensures that local governments and first responders know who is operating these properties and how to reach them -- helping protect communities and making tragedies like this far less likely.” This incident Read more

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, today expressed his support for a series of new recommendations from the state Public Utility Commission aimed at strengthening storm planning and coordination across Pennsylvania. Read more

"This intersection sees heavy daily traffic, and keeping it safe and efficient is essential for our community," state Rep. Brandon Markosek said. "These upgrades will reduce congestion and make travel through Monroeville smoother and safer for everyone." Read more

BRADDOCK, Dec. 31 – Smoother, safer travel is coming to a busy Wilkinsburg intersection thanks to new funding of $266,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. Salisbury, D-Allegheny, said that the grant, secured under the Green Light-Go Program, will support work to replace the signal at the intersection of East Swissvale and Wallace avenues. “Modernizing the equipment at our intersections is a critical upgrade,” Salisbury said. “Making sure that we have state-of-the-art signals that are properly timed and synced makes commutes smoother and travelers safer, and it even helps save gas and lower emissions. I’m thankful to PennDOT and our local partners for helping to drive this funding home.” Green Light-Go grants are administered by PennDOT and provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. The funding may be used for a range of improvements including, but not limited to, LED light technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans, monitoring traffic signals and upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies. The Green Light-Go Program is a reimbursement grant program, and applicants are required to provide a minimum 20% match. Read more

Funding to support traffic light upgrades in Green Tree, Scott Township and the City of Pittsburgh Read more

“These grants support projects that make a real difference in people’s daily lives,” state Rep. Anita Kulik said. “From preserving important cultural landmarks like the Music Hall at the Carnegie Carnegie to upgrading park lighting so families can safely enjoy games, practices, and community events, these investments help keep our communities safe, accessible, and vibrant.” Read more

State grants fund milk bank expansion, new EMS vehicles Read more

State grants fund community recreation center, ballfield lighting Read more

State grants fund new play space, snow plow truck Read more

BRADDOCK, Dec. 18 – New grants totaling more than $3.82 million from the Commonwealth Financing Agency will support District 34 projects to strengthen municipal services, fight blight and enhance quality of life for residents, state Rep. Abigail Salisbury announced today. “The new dollars will go to work fixing our roads, improving water and wastewater services, fighting blight, and making it easier for our municipalities to deliver the services residents need to thrive,” Salisbury said. “I’m grateful to CFA for the funding and thankful to our local partners who helped bring it home.” Salisbury said the grants include $3.77 million in Local Share Account funding: $450,000 to Churchill Borough for paving and stormwater sewer improvements to portions of Valiant, Fenwick, Lancewood and Camelot drives. $400,000 to Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority, on behalf of the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, for infrastructure improvements at the Keystone Commons in East Pittsburgh Borough. Once redeveloped, the site is expected to bring approximately 200 full-time jobs. $325,000 to Swissvale Borough for renovations to the 100-year-old building at 2028 Noble St., which the borough is purchasing using a 2024 LSA grant and leasing to the Swissvale Food Pantry. $300,000 to Swissvale Borough for Phase 2 renovations to the Wilkins School Community Center. $275,000 Read more