Steele highlights grants to invest in recreation, conservation

Allegheny County Delegation    January 16, 2024 | 12:26 PM

TARENTUM, Jan. 16 – To invest in the economy, recreation and conservation, the Commonwealth Financing Authority allocated more than $805,000 in funding to the 33rd Legislative District, Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, announced today.

“With these grants from the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund and the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, we make investments in the community,” Steele said. “By funding projects such as the Hilltop Hose Company No. 3, we have the opportunity to support our first responders, allowing them to better serve our community.”

CFA awarded $457,000 from GEDTF to five projects in Steele’s district, including:

  • $210,000 to Allegheny Valley North Council of Governments to install two emergency generators.
  • $90,000 to Laurel Highlands Council – Boy Scouts of America to expand the Seneca Building.
  • $57,000 to Highlands School District to install turf and a scoreboard for the baseball and softball field.
  • $50,000 to Hilltop Hose Co. No. 3 to renovate the fire station and repave the parking lot.
  • $50,000 to O’Hara Township to provide for constructing a ramp compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, line striping, and restoring the pavement on Freeport and Fox Chapel roads.

In addition, CFA awarded $348,669 from GTRP, including:

  • $204,406 to Cheswick Borough to construct the Rachel Carson Pavilion and restrooms.
  • $80,450 to O’Hara Township to rehabilitate the tennis court at Meadow Park.
  • $40,000 to Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy Inc. to provide for the Riddle Run Recreation and Conservation Plan.
  • $23,813 to Cheswick Borough for Park and Recreation Planning.

She added, “In Allegheny County, outdoor recreation is vital to our community. By allocating this funding, more residents have the opportunity to benefit from outdoor recreation and conservation in the Allegheny Valley.”

Established in 2004 by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, GEDTF appropriates funds from gaming revenue to invest in economic development. Act 13 of 2012 established the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which provides funding for GTRP.