Kim announces multiple state grant awards for critical projects

Rep. Patty Kim    October 22, 2024 | 3:50 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Patty Kim, D-Cumberland/Dauphin, today announced the award of several high-profile state grants for local projects that will benefit residents of the 103rd Legislative District.

Some grants originated from the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program, which was 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 Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

  • East Pennsboro Area School District, East Pennsboro High School Roof Replacement Project, $500,000.
    • The project will replace the existing roofing system, which has exceeded its life expectancy and exhibited various failures over the last several years. A new membrane roof system will be installed, and the school will benefit from greater energy efficiency as well as proper sloping to drains to eliminate ponding issues. The completion of this project will prevent mold and mildew growth, create healthier indoor air quality, and help maintain the buildings' structural soundness. PSFIG funds will be used for renovation and engineering costs.
  • Harrisburg School District, Ben Franklin Elementary School HVAC Upgrades Project, $500,000.
    • Ben Franklin Elementary School, a 63-year-old building, has an unreliable and inadequate HVAC system, which has led to concerns for maintaining a healthy learning environment and excessive utility bills. The proposed project aims to replace existing HVAC equipment with an upgraded system including disposal of the current equipment, reconfiguration of existing infrastructure, new chiller units, boiler refurbishments, RTU replacements, installation of a new building automation system to interface with the new system, and all the necessary appurtenances of a complete HVAC system. PSFIG funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment and renovation costs.

The other grants originate from the Statewide Local Share Account, which comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. The act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

  • Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, $57,897.
    • The proposed project will purchase a 15-passenger van to address transportation barriers for high school students in the mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. The purchase of the van will help overcome transportation barriers that exist and will increase access to mentoring programs.
  • Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, PA STEAM Academy Cafeteria Project, $250,000.
    • The Pennsylvania STEAM Academy Charter School proposes a 7,500 square-foot renovation on the first floor of the academy to provide a multifunction area to meet the various needs of the student body. The renovation will result in a dedicated cafeteria designed for nutrition education and an arts/events space that will improve the educational environment and community engagement. The renovation will include selective demolition, concrete infill for flooring, rough carpentry, framing and drywall, glass and glazing, kitchen upgrades, the acquisition and installation of doors, frames, and hardware, and improvements to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
  • Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, Scottish Rite - Phase 2, $100,000.
    • Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, on behalf of The Scottish Rite Cathedral Masonic Temple, is planning to replace the aging HVAC system at its 68-year-old building in Harrisburg.  Additionally, the building controls system will be replaced to improve energy efficiency.
  • Wormleysburg Borough, South River Street Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, $597,022.
    • In 2022 the sanitary sewer system in the southern portion of the borough was televised to locate deficiencies and identify areas of inflow and infiltration. Recent changes in wet weather events indicate that the borough has significant challenges with its aging sanitary sewer system. The pipes are primarily made of clay and iron, and many are 100 years old, well past their useful lives. The proposed project will include the excavation, removal of existing pipe, connection to existing manholes, connection to existing main, full depth stone backfill, connection to existing laterals, and pavement restoration; cleaning and lining of 2,930 feet of existing sewer main; televising existing sewer main, pre- and post-lining; root and root ball removal/disposal; bypass pumping, as required; traffic control and mobilization/demobilization.

"State-level funding is vital for fostering local development, as it enables communities to grow and improve without placing the financial strain directly on taxpayers,” Kim said. “By supporting essential projects like infrastructure and public services, states help ensure progress while keeping local taxes manageable. Congratulations to the recipients of this funding. Your hard work reflects highly on our community.”

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