AMBRIDGE, Oct. 20 – State funding of more than $3.1 million will allow the city of Aliquippa to continue eliminating a potential lead risk in the city’s drinking water, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the new funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will finance the second phase of a project to remove and replace lead service lines – work made necessary after testing revealed concerning lead levels in some residents’ drinking water. “After water sampling in 2020 showed lead in residents’ drinking water, replacing the system’s lead service lines with copper lines became an immediate priority,” Matzie said. “In spring, we secured initial funding to replace 184 lines. That was a step in the right direction, but more work remains to eliminate the threat to all residents. “Securing this additional $3 million will allow the water authority to replace 275 lead service lines, including the lines on the customers’ side. People need to be able to put concerns over the safety of their drinking water behind them, and this funding brings us one step closer to that.” Matzie said the funding to the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa includes a combination of $1.9 million in grant funding and a $1.2 million low-interest loan and that without it, residents would have faced an estimated 3% Read more
ERIE, Oct. 14 – Erie residents will soon have greater options for affordable rental housing, thanks to nearly $700,000 in federal tax credit funding awarded today, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding to GMA Development Group, LLC, for Royal Homes development sites in Erie will fund construction of 26 units. “Lack of affordable housing is a persistent problem for Pennsylvania’s low-income households, and too many families already spend more than half of their income on rent, leaving little left over for groceries, prescriptions and other necessities,” Harkins said. “Securing this funding will help expand housing options that give families livable options. It won’t solve our housing shortage overnight, but it’s a good start.” Merski said, “A stable, permanent place to call home is such an important foundation in life, but not all families have easy access to safe, affordable housing. The tax credits awarded today should help boost the supply of affordable rental units for Erie families.” The Low Income Housing Tax Credits are administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and were approved by the agency’s board. The funding is part of a package of $43.6 million awarded statewide for the construction of 1,974 affordable multifamily rental units. More information on the awards is Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 14 – Beaver County residents will have greater access to affordable housing, thanks to more than $2.4 million in federal funding awarded today, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding to Hudson Companies for the Wayne Court Development in Ambridge includes approximately $1.25 million awarded under the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and nearly $1.19 million from the National Housing Trust Fund. “For low-income families, housing expenses can eat up a huge chunk of the budget, and that problem has been growing as Pennsylvania families are facing rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing,” Matzie said. “The low-income tax credits awarded today will help offset this trend by bringing more low-cost housing options into the mix.” The federal tax credits are administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and were approved by the agency’s board. The funding is part of a package of $43.6 million awarded statewide for the construction of 1,974 affordable multifamily rental units. More information on the awards is available here . Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding the state Department of Environmental Protection’s denial of PennEnergy’s request to withdraw 3 million gallons of water daily from Big Sewickley Creek: “I am pleased by the denial. DEP noted no less than seven areas of concern and deficiencies in the application by PennEnergy Resources to withdraw water from the Big Sewickley Creek, which flows through a portion of my legislative district. “While the clock on the appeal process begins, I am hopeful that PennEnergy finds a different source of water rather than go against the wishes of the communities and many individuals who care deeply about any possible damage to this valuable water source. In most cases, I believe we can have energy extraction and maintain a clean, healthy environment. I do not believe this is one of those cases. “Regardless of any decision by a regulator or the courts, abandoning the plan to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek should be the decision by PennEnergy Resources -- not because it’s the most sound business decision, but because it’s the right thing to do.” In a July letter to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Matzie called on the department to deny PennEnergy’s request, citing concerns that withdrawing high volumes of water from the creek would escalate existing drought and Read more
Dysart man killed when destroyer was sunk off Italy during WWII Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced today that a $1.24 million low-interest loan will fund the purchase of a multi-tenant commercial building in Hopewell Township. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the loan to Pauana Holdings LLC, through the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development, is an investment that will spur economic growth for the region. “The funding to Pauana Holdings will allow it to purchase a multi-tenant, 40,000-square-foot building located in Hopewell Township that will offer a combination of office and industrial space,” Matzie said. “That spells great news for the local economy because it will generate new business activity and create at least 25 new, full-time jobs over the next several years. Matzie said the 15-year loan has a fixed 2.5% interest rate. The total project cost is $3.2 million. The loan was approved by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. More information about the project is available here , and more about PIDA is available here . Read more
ERIE, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Bob Merski is encouraging Erie residents to donate to “Coats and More for Kids” – a winter weather coat drive he is hosting Oct. 8-15 at his district office. Merski, D-Erie, said he is partnering with United Way of Erie to make sure every family has the warm-weather gear they need before the mercury starts plummeting. “Any parent or caregiver knows how quickly kids grow out of clothes,” Merski said. “That may be a simple nuisance for some households, but for others, keeping kids outfitted from year to year can be a real problem. “With another harsh Erie winter on the horizon, I’m encouraging residents to donate jackets, coats, scarves, caps, mittens, boots – even snow pants – to ensure every family has what they need to keep kids warm and protected.” Merski said residents should bring new or gently used items to his 3901 Liberty St. office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Friday, Oct. 8 through Friday, Oct. 15. Anyone with questions should call the office at (814) 455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Oct. 5 – To highlight National Hispanic Heritage Month, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, is hosting a virtual town hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7 to highlight contributions by Erie residents of Hispanic heritage and discuss issues of importance to them. “Erie residents of Hispanic heritage have made our community infinitely richer through their diverse multicultural influences and contributions,” Merski said. “Our live online event Oct. 7 will give us a chance to hear from and celebrate some of those residents while also providing a forum to discuss issues of importance, including how Erie can be a more inclusive community. “I encourage everyone in the community to participate or tune in.” Those interested in attending the live online Teams event should send their name and e-mail address to Merski’s office by emailing RepMerski@pahouse.net or calling (814) 455-6319. The event will also be livestreamed on Merski’s Facebook page. For more information, those interested can contact Merski’s office at (814) 455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Oct. 5 – Pregnant and postpartum women recovering from substance use disorder will have greater support as they transition from treatment to the Erie community, thanks to $583,153 in funding, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding to Allegheny Health Network will help the organization provide pregnancy support services and make referrals for outpatient treatment. “Getting through recovery can be difficult enough, but for pregnant or postpartum women, the added health and financial challenges can be overwhelming,” Harkins said. “Securing this funding will provide these Erie residents the added support and outpatient treatment they need to make a healthy return to productive lives.” Merski said, “After inpatient recovery treatment ends, expectant or postpartum moms need ongoing support to make a successful transition to the community. The funding announced today will help ensure services are in place to help them navigate the health-related, logistical and financial issues that may arise as they embrace the responsibilities of parenthood.” The funding – administered by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs – is part of a package of more than $12 million in grants announced today to help Pennsylvanians in recovery. That funding is part of a larger package of $55 million in federal money awarded to Pennsylvania Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 5 – Residents in Beaver and Allegheny counties recovering from substance use disorder will benefit from new supports, thanks to nearly $1.3 million in grant funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding will help several area organizations provide employment and pregnancy-related support services to Beaver and Allegheny County residents in recovery. “People recovering from substance use disorder work hard to get through treatment and return to productive lives, but their success depends on access to ongoing support,” Matzie said. “This funding will provide that support by helping residents in recovery get jobs and ensuring pregnant and postpartum women have the services they need for a healthy return to the community.” Matzie said the following organizations are receiving funding to serve residents in Beaver, Allegheny, and several other counties: Life’s Work of Western PA (employment support services) - $387,500. Allegheny Health Network (pregnancy/postpartum support services) – $583,153. Center for Community Resources Inc. (pregnancy/postpartum support services) – $296,092. In addition, Matzie said two organizations serving Allegheny County residents will receive $1.1 million. They include $700,000 to Sage’s Army, which provides community recovery and support Read more
ERIE, Oct. 1 – Grant funding of $198,000 will help level the connectivity playing field for students in the Fort LeBoeuf School District by ensuring they have access to the internet and tech resources they need to learn. Merski, D-Erie, said the funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund includes $144,000 to secure internet services and $54,000 for tech equipment. “Kids benefit greatly from online learning support outside the classroom, and access to internet and tech tools are key components of that support,” Merski said. “Unfortunately, providing that access can be difficult for some households. This funding is going to help close the digital divide by ensuring that all students stay connected.” Merski said the grant is part of a package of $20 million in funding to school districts statewide under the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a temporary fund created through the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Federal Communications Commission. The fund helps schools and libraries cover costs associated with digital devices such as laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, educators and library patrons who currently lack sufficient access to broadband and connected devices. More about the awards is available here . The grant is part of the first wave of ECF Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 1 – More than $140,000 in grant funding will help close connectivity gaps for students in the Ambridge Area School District by ensuring all students have access to internet and technology resources, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund will help schools and libraries ensure students have equal access to tech tools that are so important for off-campus learning. “Digital access is key to helping reinforce what kids learn in the classroom, but for some, access to those tools is not a given,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help us close the digital divide and ensure all kids have the access they need to achieve, regardless of household income.” Matzie said the program will help schools and libraries cover costs associated with digital devices such as laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, educators and library patrons who currently lack sufficient access to broadband and connected devices. The funding is part of a package of $20 million in funding to school districts statewide under the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a temporary fund created through the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Federal Communications Commission. More about the awards is Read more
ERIE, Sept. 30 – With flu season fast approaching, state Rep. Bob Merski is partnering with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine to host a drive-through flu shot clinic from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 6 at his 3901 Liberty St. office. Merski said the clinic will provide a quick and easy way for residents to strengthen their immunity before flu activity intensifies. “Although it’s hard to predict the exact timing and intensity of flu season on any given year, we know influenza activity usually starts increasing in October and grows more widespread as the season wears on, peaking between December and February,” Merski said. “I’m encouraging Erie residents to get an early jump on protection now, by visiting my October 6 clinic.” Merski said participants must bring their insurance cards to get a shot. Pre-registration is not required, but participants will be asked to complete a form on-site. Residents wishing to complete the form in advance can pick up a copy at Merski’s 3901 Liberty St. office. Residents with questions should call the office at (814)-455-6319. Read more
Funding comes from Veterans Trust Fund, donations from Pa. residents Read more
Legislation would guarantee in-state tuition for military families Read more
Local bridge named for man who gave his life in service of his nation Read more
ERIE, Sept. 10 – With classes back in session at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, LECOM students and staff are benefiting from a new K-9 unit supported in part by a $50,000 state grant, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the grant will enhance security for the campus and the entire region. “Like other campuses that host year-round speaking events and community activities, LECOM will benefit greatly from the added security of a K-9 unit,” Merski said. “Police dogs do an incredible job of rooting out suspicious packages containing weapons or explosives, which is important as larger gatherings resume on campus and in the community. “The campus and the entire surrounding community are going to be safer thanks to the new addition to the force.” Harkins said: “The K-9 unit is a great addition to LECOM’s security because it adds an important layer of protection for students and staff and enhances peace of mind for everyone – including the officers responsible for campus safety. It’s great to know that the campus is joining so many others across the country that have added police dogs to their security arsenal.” The lawmakers said LECOM is assisting with startup costs for the program, which total about $80,000. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 9 – A bill recently introduced by state Rep. Bob Merski would make it easier for municipalities to battle blight by creating a grant program to fund code enforcement efforts. Merski, D-Erie, said that under H.B. 1827 , municipalities would be able to apply for grants to help them launch new property maintenance code enforcement programs, hire inspectors for those programs or add more staff to fortify existing programs. “We need to make it easier for municipalities to break the vicious cycle that occurs when vacant, blighted properties reduce tax revenues available for public services like code enforcement, leading to further vacancies, declining property values and more people leaving the area,” Merski said. “Even before the pandemic, municipalities were struggling to keep code enforcement programs funded. COVID-19 only aggravated those problems by stretching budgets to the max. “The grant program created by my bill would give critical code enforcement efforts a shot in the arm by providing local governments the resources needed to respond to complaints, proactively root out trouble spots and carry out enforcement efforts.” Merski said the competitive grant program would be administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development, and municipalities would be required to provide matching funds. The bill has been referred to the House Urban Affairs Committee. Read more
ERIE, Sept. 8 – Grant funding of $299,733 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will continue an Erie pilot program to educate students about opioid dangers and help families keep kids safe, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding to Family Services of NW PA will support the Erie Opioid Misuse Prevention Project – one of five pilot programs statewide that are providing evidence-based strategies to reduce risk factors that lead kids to substance abuse and other problems. “The statewide Opioid Disaster Declaration recently expired after the Republican-controlled legislature failed to extend it,” Harkins said. “At the same time, the numbers are showing that opioid overdoses spiked during the pandemic. It’s a bad combination and highlights why it is so critical to keep youth education and prevention programs going.” Merski said, “The pilot programs are evidence-based and have been working to make sure kids understand the risks of opioid use and help families develop strategies to keep kids safe and steer them away from drug use and other risky behaviors. Thanks to this funding, those programs are going to continue for another year.” The lawmakers said Erie’s program, like the other pilots, is part of the Opioid Misuse Prevention Project and operates through partnerships among counties, school Read more
AMBRIDGE, Sept. 8 – More than $390,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will keep Beaver County students learning about the risks of opioids and help families develop the skills to keep kids safe, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding includes $370,805 to Community Health Challenge of Southwestern Pennsylvania to continue the Beaver County Opioid Prevention Project – one of five pilot programs statewide that team counties with school districts, local nonprofits and the community. “The Beaver County programs are teaching students in the Aliquippa, New Brighton and Rochester Area school districts how to recognize and avoid the dangers of opioid abuse,” Matzie said. “The programs are also helping families develop skills to protect kids from the risks of substance abuse and other factors that can lead them into trouble. “The programs have already helped many students and families in our district over the past two years. Securing this funding will allow them to continue for another year.” Matzie said that a second grant of $22,313 to The Prevention Network will fund the Project Towards No Drug Abuse, which supports at-risk youth. Both grants were recommended by the PCCD’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee and come from federal State Opioid Response funds. Read more
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