Abney hails grants totaling $873,000+ for community projects

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $873,125 in grants has been awarded to multiple community projects throughout the 19th Legislative District.

Accounting for $498,125 are grants made possible by the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund under the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Grant recipients are:

  • Center of Life: $35,000 for Community Hub project on Hazelwood Green.
  • Charles Street Area Corporation: $105,000 for parklet construction and acquisition of land for affordable housing development.
  • Greenwood Plan: $35,000 for purchasing and redeveloping the Pitt Building into business space.
  • Humane Animal Rescue League: $100,000 for expanding the community veterinary clinic.
  • Jubilee Association: $50,000 for renovating the 2nd floor of the organization’s facility.
  • The Citizen Science Lab: $63,000 for constructing the MLK Center for Scientific Excellence.
  • The Education Partnership: $50,125 for constructing a warehouse to store school supplies.
  • TMCAqua, LLC.: $60,000 for the Cordia Energy project.

The remaining $375,000 in grants come courtesy of the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Grant recipients are:

  • National Aviary: $125,000 for rose garden and pathway improvements project.
  • Riverlife: $250,000 for reconstruction of Allegheny Landing.

“I’m thrilled to help secure these funds and support investments in local education, housing, health, economic strength, science and technology, and recreation,” Abney said. “Thank you to Sens. Wayne Fontana and Jay Costa and Reps. La’Tasha Mayes, Lindsay Powell and Emily Kinkead for their assistance in procuring these dollars, which will benefit residents for years to come.”

GEDTF grants are appropriated from state gaming revenues and are utilized for community and economic development projects in Allegheny County. GTRP grants involve development, rehabilitation and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails and river conservation statewide.