Allegheny House Dems announce $10.4 million in community investments

State grants awarded for local parks, building rehabilitation

Allegheny County Delegation January 18, 2024 | 10:54 AM

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 18 – More than $10.4 million has been awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support a variety of community improvements across the region, members of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives announced today.

“I’m thrilled to help secure these funds and support investments in local education, housing, health, economic strength, science and technology, and recreation,” Rep. Aerion A. Abney said. “Thank you to all the local leaders for their assistance in procuring these dollars, which will benefit residents for years to come.”

“These grants will allow us to invest in Pittsburgh’s economy by supporting recreation, community services and affordable housing throughout Allegheny County,” said Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes. “While Pittsburgh continues to attract more tourists, we have the opportunity to enhance recreational activities, diversify Pittsburgh’s services to better represent marginalized communities, and address the high cost of living with more affordable housing for our residents, as well.”

Some of the larger awards to projects in the county include:

$500,000 to the Zoological Society of Pittsburgh to repair the Water’s Edge Exhibit.
$250,000 to Riverlife for reconstruction of Allegheny Landing.
$240,000 to restore the VFW Post 418 Building in McKees Rocks.
$215,000 to Franklin Park Borough to rehabilitate Acorn Park.
$204,406 to Cheswick Borough to construct the Rachel Carson Pavilion and restrooms.
$195,100 to Rosslyn Farms for the rehabilitation of Parris Park Playground.
$180,000 to North Hills Community Outreach to construct a solar-powered passive greenhouse with heater to supply local food pantries.
$175,000 to demolish 13 structures in Turtle Creek.
$175,000 to the Allegheny Valley North Council of Governments for road reconstruction work in Verona.
$118,000 to Shaler Area EMS to enhance their Firefighter Rehabilitation program.
$75,000 to The Filipino-American Association of Pittsburgh for renovations at the Multicultural Center & Function Hall in West Mifflin.

All grants awarded in this round of funding are administered by the CFA through several grant programs including the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund and the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.

More information on the $27 million awarded across Pennsylvania in this round of funding is available here.

In addition to Abney and Mayes, the Allegheny County Delegation comprises state Reps. Jessica Benham, Dan Deasy, Dan Frankel, Matthew Gergely, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, Brandon Markosek, Joe McAndrew, Dan Miller, Nick Pisciottano, Lindsay Powell, Abigail Salisbury, Mandy Steele, and Arvind Venkat.