Waxman applauds $400K from LSA grant

HARRISBURG, March 17 – State Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., today announced that $400,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority has been approved for a Local Share Account grant.

“It’s time to reinvest in our communities and return them to the same state they were in before the COVID-19 pandemic and disastrous flooding,” Waxman said. “This historic museum on Martin Street has been a source of pride for the area and is crucial to educating the public on local legend Marian Anderson. Her voice, concerts, radio and vision broke down barriers. Through her incredible work, she became a symbol of the fight for civil rights and desegregation. We have much to learn from her story and journey; with these funds, the public will now be able to learn about this local hero in a revitalized space.”

The CFA approved funding for this project:

  • $400,000 for PIDC Financing Corporation’s Marian Anderson Museum Repair Restoration Project to restore the historic museum located on Martin St. after sustaining flood damage during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Renovations include the complete exterior and interior restoration of the property on all three floors. Renovations for this project will include replacement of the roof, windows, doors, electrical system, install sprinkler systems on all floors and a new HVAC system. Lastly, plumbing, restorative design and protective museum and artifact enclosures with historical protective equipment.

LSA funding is generated from casinos located in host or contiguous counties and are distributed by the Department of Community and Economic Development. They are designed to help economic development, job training, community improvement and public interest projects.

More information is available on LSA grants here.

For more information, those interested can contact Waxman’s district office at (215) 246-1501.

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