Pisciottano: $500,000 awarded for safer schools in Baldwin-Whitehall

Funding for asbestos removal, security upgrades at elementary schools

BALDWIN, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Nick Pisciottano announced today $500,000 in state grants were awarded for revitalization efforts at McAnnulty and Whitehall elementary schools in Baldwin-Whitehall school district.

“Removing hazards like asbestos from our schools is a critical investment in the health and safety of our kids,” said Pisciottano, D-Allegheny. “I am grateful for the work of Sen. Jim Brewster, who played a major role in securing these grant funds that will support the well-being of local students for generations to come.”

Pisciottano said one grant of $250,000 will support the replacement of the existing roof, all exterior doors and windows, interior classroom doors, lighting and asbestos flooring at McAnnulty Elementary School. Upgrades include non-glass safety doors with electronic locking mechanisms and improvements to ceiling areas to accommodate new lighting, as well as new sinks/water fountains.

The second grant of $250,000 will help fund the removal and replacement of the existing roof, internal doors, HVAC systems, and the installation of a new PA, fire alarm system and exterior LED security lighting at Whitehall Elementary School.

Funds were awarded through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, created to provide grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. The program is administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Grants are available for eligible improvement projects with a total project cost of $500,000 or more and grants shall not exceed $5 million for any project.