Burns secures $5.3 million in state grants for local projects
Includes new fire station, training center for trades
Rep. Frank Burns October 26, 2022 | 4:30 PM
EBENSBURG, Oct. 26 – Continuing his commitment to help local organizations and communities big and small, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced two state grants totaling $5.3 million to benefit two important local projects.
“People know that they can depend on me when the chips are down, and I fought hard in Harrisburg to bring these state investments to Cambria County,” Burns said. “State investment like this in Jackson Township can transform a community.”
The first grant announced today was $3 million to IBEW Local Union 126 for the Calvin R. Peterson Training School, in Jackson Township. This project will include construction of the training center and an extensive outdoor pole yard for lineman training. The main center will include an indoor climbing facility, multiple large classroom areas, state-of-the-art simulators and more.
“After meeting with IBEW union leaders and learning of their plan to build a training center in Jackson Township, I went to work pushing for state investment to make it happen,” Burns said.
The second grant announced today was $2.3 million to the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company to raze and rebuild the company’s fire station. The new fire station will include space for bunkrooms, shower rooms, and a second-floor banquet hall.
“Several months ago I met with members of the Jackson Township Fire Department to discuss state funding for a new building,” he said. “I encouraged them to apply for this $2.3 million grant and promised I would do everything in my power to deliver for the community.”
Since taking office Burns has helped secure more than $285 million in state funding for projects large and small, from multi-million sewer and water upgrades to grants for parks and literacy programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.