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
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
STATE COLLEGE, Dec. 3 – Schools in the 77 th Legislative District will benefit from more than $900,000 in new funding for school security and mental health resources, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the grants – awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency from funding secured in the 2024-25 budget – include nearly $760,000 in noncompetitive grants to public schools and $148,000 in competitive grants to nonpublic schools. “A lot goes into maintaining a strong school security plan, from policies and protocols like reporting and safety drills to resources like personnel, equipment and building modifications, to programs and supports addressing mental health,” Conklin said. “Thanks to this new funding, our schools will have the resources needed to ensure students and staff have the safety, peace of mind and supportive environment they deserve.” Conklin said noncompetitive grants to public schools include: State College Area School District – $228,146. Tyrone Area School District – $131,554. Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District – $130,786. Bald Eagle Area School District – $128,948. Centre Learning Community Charter School – $70,000. Young Scholars of Central PA Charter School – $70,000. Competitive grants to nonpublic schools include: Soaring Heights School State Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 27 – New security resources are coming to nonpublic schools in the 72 nd Legislative District, thanks to more than $400,000 in new grant funding, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns said the funding – which includes grants to seven private schools in the district – was awarded under a competitive grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee. “A safe, secure place to learn is as essential to students as the curriculum and educational resources they receive,” Burns said. “The new PCCD funding will allow administrators at nonpublic schools in our district to meet specific security needs they have identified so they can provide students and staff the safest possible learning environment – and the peace of mind that goes with knowing they are safe.” Burns said the schools and funding include: Bishop Carroll Catholic High School - $70,600. Bishop McCort Catholic Academy (HS campus) – $75,000. Bishop McCort Catholic Elementary (West Campus) - $75,000. Bishop McCort Catholic Elementary School (East Campus) - $75,000. Cambria County Christian School - $59,667 Center for Achievement - $24,000 Holy Name School – $39,500 The funding is part of a package of Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 27 – State Rep. Frank Burns is partnering with the Toys for Tots Program to collect holiday gifts for economically disadvantaged area children. Burns, D-Cambria, said he and his staff are accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys at his offices in Johnstown ( Lower Yoder Township) and Ebensburg through Dec. 13. “Toys for Tots started with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve nearly 80 years ago with the goal of bringing joy and hope to economically disadvantaged kids during Christmas,” Burns said. “With prices high and budgets tight, that mission is still important. I’m urging anyone who would like to donate to bring new, unwrapped toys to my offices in Lower Yoder Township or Ebensburg.“ Burns said residents wishing to donate should bring unwrapped toys, stuffed animals, books, puzzles, games, coloring books and other gifts to one of the following office locations: 535 Fairfield Ave. Johnstown (Lower Yoder Township), PA 15906 123 West High St. Ebensburg, PA 15931 Residents with questions may call the Johnstown office at 814-536-8400 or the Ebensburg office at 814-472-8021. Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 26 – State Rep. Frank Burns has launched his annual food drive and is collecting nonperishable food items at his Ebensburg and Lower Yoder Township offices now through Dec. 13 to help area families in need during the holiday season. Burns said the items collected will be delivered to local food banks. “With the high price of groceries, keeping nutritious food on the table can be a challenge for many families, especially during the holidays,” Burns said. “Our local food banks are an important resource, but supplies often become depleted this time of year. To help keep them stocked, my office hosts an annual food drive, and our generous community always steps up to pitch in. “I’m encouraging everyone who wishes to donate to bring nonperishable food items – including canned and boxed goods – to my offices in Lower Yoder Township or Ebensburg. Your donation will make a difference for a neighbor in need.” Burns’ Johnstown (Lower Yoder Township) office is located at 535 Fairfield Ave., and his Ebensburg office is located at 123 W. High St. Residents with questions may call the Johnstown office at 814-536-8400 or the Ebensburg office at 814-472-8021. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 18 – A $250,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development will fund a comprehensive study of State College Borough’s 50-year-old transit station, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the funding will lay the groundwork for important upgrades and improvements to make the station more accessible and inclusive. “Easy access to transportation is essential for quality of life, but many of our older facilities, including State College Borough’s 50-year-old transit stop, are not as accessible and user friendly as they could be for seniors and residents with disabilities,” Conklin said. “The new funding will allow the borough to study the station’s current design and determine what upgrades and improvements can be made, with an eye toward making this essential transportation hub larger, more traffic-friendly and more inclusive for all riders.” Conklin said that after the study is completed, the borough will have the information it needs to move forward with project work. More information about DCED is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/ Read more
“Growing our economy isn’t just an accident, it often comes from careful investment by both companies and the state,” said Bizzarro. “I’m glad to see this affordable loan be approved, and for local companies to benefit.” Read more
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STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Scott Conklin today announced a grant of more than $93,000 to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau to support the bureau’s investment in the 2024 Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Series. Conklin said the grant, secured through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Sports Marketing and Tourism Program, would help ensure Center County’s tourism bureau has the resources to continue its successful promotional efforts. “Sports tourism provides tremendous benefits for our region by attracting visitors to patronize our local shops, restaurants and hotels,” Conklin said. “The 2024 Ironman Triathlon this summer was no exception, drawing more than 1,500 athletes alone and injecting an estimated $4.7 million into the economy. The new funding will help ensure that our tourism bureau has the resources needed to continue successfully promoting these events into the years ahead.” The funding is part of a package of grants awarded for 11 major sporting events statewide. More about the Sports Marketing and Tourism Program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/sports-marketing-and-tourism-program-smat/ . Read more
“The Erie region’s proud tradition of fishing runs deep in our community's heritage,” Merski said. “This cherished pastime not only brings people together but also showcases the natural beauty and rich resources of our region. The opportunity to host a Major League Fishing tournament in our own backyard is a privilege, and this boost in funding will assist in the operation of the tournament.” Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 13 – Two grants totaling $224,300 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will fund playground improvements for Ferguson Township and the installation of riparian buffers along part of the Susquehanna River Watershed in Centre County, Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding includes $124,600 to Ferguson Township for improvements to Autumnwood Park. “The new funding will allow the township to rehab the playground by adding new play equipment, safety surfacing, ADA accessibility and related improvements,” Conklin said. “It’s a great enhancement for a well-loved community gathering place.” Conklin said a second grant of $99,700 to ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA would fund installation of riparian forest buffers. “Riparian buffers planted along our waterways help protect water quality by filtering out pesticides and sediment from runoff,” Conklin said. “They also help prevent erosion and benefit wildlife and delicate ecosystems. Thanks to the new funding, ClearWater Conservancy will be able to install six acres of riparian forest buffers to help protect and preserve our precious Susquehanna River Watershed.” The funding comes from the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports projects to develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces and protect vital natural habitats. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 1 – New grant funding of $3.5 million from the Redevelopment Capitol Assistance Program will support work on new administrative offices for Central Intermediate Unit 10, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the grant would fund major renovation work at the 1.8-acre site of the former Philipsburg-Osceola Junior High School. “We were glad to see CIU 10 secure the Sixth Street site, which provides a perfect, centralized location for administrative offices that will serve the unit’s three-county region,” Conklin said. “The former school’s gymnasium remains on the property, and work will focus on razing or renovating the building to create new administrative offices and training space. “Thanks to the new funding, that work – and related installation of new sidewalks, curbing and green space – will move forward. It’s going to be exciting seeing the project take shape.” The RACP funds design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. Read more
“The funding awarded today brings the promise of major change and revitalization for Erie and our entire region,” said Merski, who represents portions of the city of Erie, Greene, Harborcreek and Summit townships and Wesleyville borough. “The grants fund projects that are truly transformative, from the construction of two new hotels to accommodate the influx in tourism to our region, to a brand-new veterinary center at the Erie Zoo, and a cutting-edge Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness. We are seeing the transformation of our region in real time.” Read more
"We are committed to ensuring that all of our constituents in Erie County – Democrat, Republican, or Independent – have the information they need to vote and participate in our democracy. Our primary concern is holding free and fair elections, and always making sure that people’s voting rights are preserved and protected." Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 23 – New grant funding of $490,692 will support a project to replace deteriorated roof sections at Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the grant – secured through the Commonwealth Financing Authority – will help fund work to replace multiple aging roof sections that are failing and allowing moisture to intrude. “The new funds will help the school district move forward with much-needed work to the high school’s roof, sections of which are more than 30 years old and well past their serviceable life,” Conklin said. “Components are failing and allowing moisture in, and the school needs to move forward with replacement and restoration work to prevent building damage and slipping hazards. I’m glad the new funding will help make that happen.” Conklin said the funding was awarded through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. Administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority, the program provides funding to public school districts and career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. Grants are available for eligible improvement projects with a total project cost of $500,000 or more and may not exceed $5 million for any project. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 22 – New grant funding of $672,400 will help municipalities and other groups in the 77 th Legislative District purchase needed equipment, renovate and repair public buildings, and help fund design and planning of a new performing arts center, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. “The new funding will help our townships and other district organizations meet a wide range of practical needs, from medical equipment for our first responders to accessible transportation to building renovations,” Conklin said. “Some of the funding will also help lay the groundwork for a new performing arts center to draw more visitors to our growing downtown arts district.” Conklin said eight separate grants awarded from the Local Share Account program include: Nearly $162,000 to Rush Township, including $103,985 for a new brush truck for Mountain Top Fire Department and $57,861 for township maintenance equipment including two plows, a vibratory roller, a pressure washer and a tilt trailer. $118,891 to Halfmoon Township, including $82,385 to allow Port Matilda EMS to replace its existing 18-year-old, high-mileage para transit van with a newer, more reliable vehicle and $36,505 to allow Port Matilda EMS to purchase a power-lift stretcher. $105,750 to the State College Borough Redevelopment Authority to allow the Nittany Performing Arts Centre to begin design and engineering work for a 200-seat Read more
ERIE, Oct. 10 – Underscoring their unrelenting commitment to delivering for Erie, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, proudly announce the acquisition of $1,443,817 in grant funding aimed at significantly enhancing broadband access for the Erie community. This substantial funding marks a pivotal step in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all residents have the reliable, high-speed internet connectivity they deserve. “In today's world, broadband is not a luxury; it's a necessity. This grant ensures that our community will not be left behind in the digital age,” Harkins said. “Together, we are building bridges towards opportunity and strengthening the bonds of our community.” The Erie Regional Library Foundation was awarded $943,817 that will be earmarked toward renovating the children’s library. Additionally, Erie's Black Wall Street was awarded $500,000 for the Project Cornerstone initiative, which aims to revitalize a property into a multi-functional community center. Merski said, “With this investment, we are opening doors to countless opportunities in education, business, and healthcare for the people of Erie. “This grant is a game-changer, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our constituents' lives.” The grants, which are part of a broader initiative to improve Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution by Majority Chairman Scott Conklin urging the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to establish separate playoffs and championships for public schools and private/charter schools. Conklin said he introduced H.R. 443 to encourage the PIAA to reform a system that gives private school athletes an unfair advantage over their public school counterparts, both on the field and beyond. “Unlike public schools, which must recruit student athletes from within their district’s geographic boundaries, private and charter schools can hand-select the best athletes from anywhere they choose,” Conklin said. “The result is that they end up with all-star teams and a deeply unfair advantage over public schools. “The impact goes far beyond a win or a loss. It leaves public school athletes behind when it comes to important life opportunities like scholarships and recruitment for college and pro sports. Public school is supposed to be about opening doors for students and teaching them the importance of fair play, and PIAA needs to help reinforce those lessons. “The association has the authority to make this change. It’s my hope that this resolution will bring them closer to doing so.” The committee approved the resolution by a vote of 24-1. Read more
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