STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 18 – More than $892,000 is coming back to Centre County to bolster programs and resources for crime survivors and at-risk youth, reduce recidivism and fund probation and parole services, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said five grants awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will support essential programs for those served by the criminal justice system. “A lot of hard work and vigilance goes into protecting the rights of crime victims, supporting at-risk youth, and providing effective probation and parole services,” Conklin said. “The new funding will help keep essential programs in place so that our county’s dedicated judicial, law enforcement, medical and social service professionals can continue delivering the best possible services.” Conklin said the funding by source includes: JJDCP – State Violence and Delinquency Prevention Program Funds $391,764 to the Pennsylvania State University for implementation of the Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol, which helps determine effectiveness of juvenile delinquency prevention methods. CACAC- State Endowment Act – Prevention Funds $200,000 to Centre County Youth Service Bureau for Project Safe and Smart, which educates youth and parents about child sexual abuse and body safety. VSAC – Centre County $147,757 to Centre County Commissioners Read more

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Community and Economic Development: Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Who May Apply: Community-based non-profit organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience, educational institutions, and non-profit economic development organizations with a history of at least 3 years operating experience. Use: Creation or support of a Business Assistance Service Center for the purpose of serving small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Funds: $20 million in funding was appropriated in the 2024/25 state budget. Application Deadline: January 22, 2025 More information: DCED Website Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs (EAOAP) Who May Apply: Non-profit agencies with a history of at least two years of consistent arts programming in Pennsylvania and an annual average arts revenue over $200,000. Use: Entry track is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) point of entry for organizations or programs to the AOAP. Applicants must apply in Entry track until recommended for AOAP, which is based on panel review and assessment totals Funds: Grants totaling $5,000 will be awarded. Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 More information: Arts Website Council on the Arts: Arts Read more

The York County Planning Commission was awarded $404,219 in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection through 2025 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants, awarded to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to reduce pollution and restore local streams, rivers, and lakes. Read more

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El said he is pleased to report a state and federal investment in keeping the Chesapeake Bay Watershed clean from its tributaries in Lancaster County. The Lancaster County Conservation District was awarded more than $5.92 million in funding directed by the Department of Environmental Protection. "This significant investment is a promise to our natural environment and represents a commitment to protecting a vital ecosystem, supporting our economy, and preserving a new legacy of investments for our part of the watershed," said Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster. The DEP awarded grants through the 2025 Countywide Action Plan Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Pennsylvania has made historic progress in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Earlier this year, the Shapiro Administration announced that for the first time in history, the Chesapeake Bay showed steady overall improvement, earning a C+ grade from the University of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card – the highest grade ever awarded to the overall health of the bay since the report was created. The 2025 CAP Implementation Grants include $9.6 million from the state Environmental Stewardship Fund and $14.4 million in federal EPA funding, including $7.1 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to support counties’ Read more

STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 5 – Two low-interest loans totaling $2.9 million will allow major area employer Advanced Powder Products to rebuild its Rush Township production facility that was severely damaged by fire last year, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the funding to the metal injection molding and 3D metal printing manufacturer includes a 15-year, $2.25 million loan at a 3.75% reset interest rate and a 7-year, $700,928 loan at a 4.75% fixed interest rate – both awarded through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. “The new funding is terrific news for APP and our entire region,” Conklin said. “The 2023 fire to the Rush Township facility caused extensive damage, interrupted production, affected jobs and resulted in heavy losses. The new funding will allow them to build a new 29,000-square-foot production facility at their Enterprise Drive location and purchase new precision machinery, robotics and other automated equipment. “It’s going to be exciting seeing this dynamic manufacturer rebuild to former capacity – and seeing those jobs and economic benefits flowing back to our region.” Conklin said the project will result in the creation of 15 new jobs and the retention of 165 full-time jobs. Administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, PIDA provides low-interest loans and lines of credit for eligible businesses Read more