PITTSBURGH, April 20 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a $59,136 low-interest loan is being awarded to Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority . The loan will be utilized to fix more than 56 miles of collection lines in the sewer system. “Raw water sewage overflow is a major concern for the neighbors I represent during rainy weather,” Abney said. “This project helps mitigate that issue and reduces the amount of spillage into the three rivers.” Nearly 99,500 customers are served by the system. Read more
PITTSBURGH, April 13 – State Reps. Aerion A. Abney and Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, announced today that a state grant of as much as $500,000 will be awarded to Allegheny County for the establishment of a regional recovery hub spearheaded by Unity Recovery on Pittsburgh’s South Side. The funding will allow the recovery hub in Allegheny County and in counties across the Commonwealth to conduct an initial needs assessment for recovery support services in their specific region, including an estimate of individuals in need of these services and an analysis of their availability and accessibility. In addition, the hubs will develop a strategic plan, partnering with local organizations, that focuses on the importance of supporting multiple pathways to and through recovery, and will seek to promote recovery services in areas including peer support, family support and self-care. “Addiction is not a circumstance easily overcome by one individual’s own willpower,” Abney said. “These funds are essential to providing needed assistance for all those looking to turn their lives around for the positive.” “Substance use – especially opioid use – has devastated communities across the commonwealth, and South Pittsburgh is certainly no exception,” Benham added. “This is a public health crisis, and I applaud the Shapiro-Davis administration for embracing harm reduction strategies and investing in these recovery Read more
HARRISBURG, March 30 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, introduced two bills today which would help small businesses find their footing and establish a central collection of data for defendants in the state justice system. A modernization and recapitalization of the Small Business Incubators Act, House Bill 744, formerly HB 2839, would provide up to $20 million in grants and loans for small businesses in Pennsylvania. These funds could be used to cover startup and overhead costs. Workers and investments also would be protected in Abney’s bill because grant recipients who leave the commonwealth would be required to repay those funds awarded to them in full. “Successful, local businesses help grow our economy and create good jobs everywhere,” Abney said. “A financial jumpstart to help them get established should encourage entrepreneurship." House Bill 743, formerly HB 2760, would require the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency , in collaboration with our courts, police departments and other criminal justice agencies, to collect, record and analyze data related to the experiences of defendants within the justice system. This data would then be compiled and reported to the General Assembly and be made available to the public. New Jersey enacted a similar law three years ago, and other states have introduced similar proposals as well. “It’s Pennsylvania’s turn to do everything in our power to improve Read more
Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Aerion Abney are proud to announce $775,973 in grant funding within their legislative districts in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants and Statewide Local Share Account Grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Department of Economic and Community Development Read more
PITTSBURGH, March 16 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that nearly $920,000 in state Local Share Account grants is being awarded to multiple local organizations. “These grants are essential sustainment, infrastructure and, most importantly, personal investments in the people and communities I represent,” Abney said. “I’m incredibly thankful to Senator Wayne Fontana for his vital collaboration in securing these funds.” Beneficiaries of the grants are: Amachi Pittsburgh: $42,000 to purchase front and back door cameras with cloud-based monitoring, a keyless entry system, a video intercom system, and 14 locked storage cabinets. The Amachi office, located in the lower Hill District of Pittsburgh, offers programs and services to families impacted by parental incarceration. Bethlehem Haven: $425,000 to renovate a women's shelter located at 1410 Fifth Ave. by reconfiguring the living spaces so each of the 26 women can have their own independent living space in a single occupancy unit. City of Pittsburgh: $250,000 to install a solar energy system on the Fourth Division Maintenance Facility upon completion of a new building for the facility. Pittsburgh Housing Development Corp.: $200,000 to demolish six homes in three of PHDC's target investment neighborhoods. The demolition process is termed deconstruction due to the methods used, which include recovering, reusing and recycling Read more
HARRISBURG, March 8 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, has been named to the PA House Appropriations Committee . “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on such an influential committee. Our state budget, like any budget, is a statement of priorities,” Abney said. “I look forward to prioritizing the needs of my constituents and all residents of the Commonwealth to produce a budget that works for everyone.” Abney will chair the body’s Health and Human Services Subcommittee and joins his House Democratic colleagues State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Manuel Guzman Jr., Emily Kinkead, Napoleon Nelson and Benjamin Sanchez who will chair the Education, Economy/Infrastructure, Fiscal, Criminal Justice and Government/Financial Oversight subcommittees, respectively. State Rep. Regina Young will serve as the committee’s secretary; State Rep. Kyle Mullins was appointed vice chair and State Rep. Jordan Harris will chair the committee. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, presented a $2.5 million check to the Allegheny YMCA today alongside Mayor Ed Gainey, State Sens. Jay Costa and Wayne Fontana, and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “This investment from the state will go a long way to improving the social fabric and quality of life for so many residents,” Abney said. “Thank you to all my colleagues for your leadership.” The funds will be utilized for a number of renovations to the 96-year-old facility, including to its pool, kitchen, locker rooms, meetings rooms and utility systems and are made possible by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program . Read more
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a nearly $500,000 state grant is being awarded to Allegheny Landing Park. The grant will be used to make an array of improvements at the site including renovations to its plaza, historic railings and pedestrian walkways, installation of lawn, meadow and rain gardens, Americans with Disabilities Act access and landscaping. “Allegheny Landing Park was one of the first in Pittsburgh to integrate the scenic backdrop of the Three Rivers into its own appeal,” Abney said. “This grant will ensure that the citizens I represent can enjoy the space now and for many more years.” Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administered the grant via their Community Conservation Partnerships Program . Read more
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of $10.3 million in state grants is being awarded to multiple Allegheny County entities for the purpose of preventing and limiting the frequency and severity of community gun violence. “Far too many innocent people have lost their lives to these senseless acts of violence, and far too many families have been irreversibly torn apart,” Abney said. “These funds are weapons in their own right to help stamp out the prevalence of these violent crimes.” Abney said that a $3 million Coordinated Community Violence Intervention grant is being allotted to the Neighborhood Resilience Project to supplement the Allegheny County Violence Prevention Plan. Abney also outlined that a total of $7.3 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention grants shall be utilized by several county organizations for outreach efforts, educational sessions, trauma aid and additional services. Beneficiaries of these grants are: Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation: $80,015 for their Community Defense Project. ACH Clear Pathways: $450,000 to support their R.E.A.C.H. program. Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer: $2.43 million to implement the Rapid Employment and Development Initiative. Amachi Pittsburgh: $440,500 to their Hear4U Mobile Outreach. Foundation of HOPE: $809,000 for efforts that include their HOPE Aftercare/MAD DADS Read more
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 12 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of nearly $370,000 in state grants is being awarded to colleges and public schools throughout Pittsburgh. Abney said the first set of grants, totaling slightly above $150,000, will be utilized to promote and strengthen university campus security, with a special emphasis on curtailing acts of sexual violence. These grants are part of Pennsylvania’s It’s On Us campaign, launched statewide by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2016 following President Obama’s national initiative. Beneficiaries of these grants include: Bidwell Training Center Inc.: $8,000 Community College of Allegheny County: $55,000 Duquesne University: $40,000 Point Park University: $40,000 Vet Tech Institute: $7,600 Per Abney, a second grant, nearly $217,000 and made possible by the Schools-to-Work Program, would help prepare Pittsburgh Public Schools students for careers in trades. Specifically, these monies will go to the Pipeline Into The Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program which aids students seeking to enter the Carpenters’ Union Apprenticeship Program upon high school graduation. “Maintaining a safe space for students to pursue their dreams and goals is paramount to not only their success but to their overall well-being,” Abney said. “Furthermore, students deserve every and all opportunities to thrive in their chosen careers.” Additional Read more
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of $200,000 in state grants is being awarded to Duquesne University for the purpose of preparing the school’s faculty and staff members to educate students. “These individuals are the integral resource dedicated to preparing young adults for the next important phase of their lives,” Abney said. “I’m thrilled that these grants will help professors and university leadership members excel at the highest level so they can impart that success on students.” Abney said Duquesne’s faculty and staff members will be the beneficiaries of two $100,000 grants made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. One grant will help connect members of school leadership with local education agencies to better acclimate them to their roles, and the other grant will provide an interlinked process of training for prospective educators. More information about PDE’s policies and programs is available on the department’s website . Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 20 – State Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that $500,000 in state grants is being awarded to multiple community improvement projects. “The funds will provide housing and other essential services to many neighbors and their families,” Abney said. “Moreover, these projects are integral to maintaining the safety and quality of the neighborhoods I’m proud to represent.” Today’s grants include: Hazelwood Initiative Inc.: $25,000 for a feasibility study for an anchor building located in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Perry Hilltop Citizens Council Inc.: $132,900 for the renovation of a three-story, mixed-use structure at 2115 Perrysville Ave. in Pittsburgh. Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh: $197,225 for the Aging in Place Home Modification Program. Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh: $150,000 for the Homeowner Accessibility Program of Independence, which provides grants for accessibility modifications to low-income city homeowners with permanent disabilities and landlords who do not reside on the property but have tenants with permanent disabilities. The grants are made possible by the Keystone Communities Program , whose aim is to allocate finances to foster cooperation between the public and private sectors in their shared goal of community growth and preservation. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 21 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that eight local projects have been awarded more than $12 million in state grant funding. “Once again, I am thrilled to announce these major investments in our community and in our neighborhoods,” Abney said. “These projects will not only support existing businesses or cultural programs but also will create opportunities for businesses to invest and grow in our community. I want to congratulate all the people and organizations that have worked to bring these projects to fruition and look forward to seeing them succeed in the future.” Projects awarded today include: $2.1 million for Pittsburgh Gateways Corp. to convert the former Connelley Vocational School into the Pittsburgh's Energy Innovation Center, creating flexible spaces for companies focusing on workforce training, energy innovation and incubation. $1.5 million to Riverlife for renovations at Allegheny Riverfront Park. Measures will include removal of existing pavement, site preparation and grading, installation and sealing of new stone pavers, refurbishment of existing light posts and railing, tree pruning, planting soil amendments and perennial planting. $3 million to help fund Astrobotic’s construction of a new four-story facility, adjacent to their current headquarters, to house labs, cleanrooms and offices. $2 million for CCA CBD to renovate the former YWCA office Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 15 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that six local projects have been awarded a combination of more than $1.2 million in state grants. “These funds are a considerable investment for the entire Pittsburgh region,” Abney said. “After undergoing construction, renovation or repair, these projects will enhance the social and cultural fabric of our communities and have lasting impacts for generations to come.” Projects awarded today include: $100,000 for ACH Clear Pathways to update/replace the inherited HVAC system at the Kaufmann Center which is over 12 years old and has an expired warranty. $200,000 for the Amani Christian Community Development Corporation to undertake construction, namely earthwork and foundation work, at what will be the Ledlie St. Townhomes. $100,000 to renovate the North Side Animal Shelter. Renovations would include reconfiguring the veterinary clinic layout, relocating and downsizing certain areas to increase the number of animals that can be treated and updating the building’s community room. $200,000 for the Pittsburgh Musical Theater to address water infiltration issues caused by copper flashing being severed. The damaged flashing will be removed and replaced with continuous aluminum. Additionally, programmable LED lighting will be installed, and the masonry caps will be replaced along the building perimeter. $175,000 to Pittsburgh Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 1 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that seven local projects have been awarded a combined $23.5 million in state grants. “The projects mark a major state investment in our community,” Abney said. “Whether it’s construction, renovation or conversion, all these endeavors will improve the welfare of my constituents in multiple ways.” Projects awarded today include: $3 million for construction of a multi-story parking garage at the Pittsburgh Technology Center. The garage will feature high-tech electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle infrastructure and a multimodal connection to the Port Authority of Allegheny County's bus service. $2 million to renovate and update all common spaces, kitchen, member fitness facilities including the wellness floor, pool area and locker rooms, and meeting rooms at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. Rental units will also be renovated on the third, fourth and fifth floors with a new configuration that replaces shared bathrooms with private facilities and provides a community room. Rooms and corridor renovations will include flooring, painting and ceilings. Additional work includes replacement of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems and installation of a sprinkler system, air-conditioning and elevators. $2 million for Phase 1 preparations at the future site of Centre Avenue Avenues of Hope. $10 million for Phase 1 preparations Read more
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 27 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that nine local projects have been awarded a combined $10.5 million in state grants. “These projects mark a major state investment in our community,” Abney said. “Whether it’s housing, office renovation, historic preservation or building habitat for the National Aviary, these projects will have a lasting impact on our community, and I want to thank everyone involved who has helped make them happen.” Projects awarded today include: $750,000 to Bethlehem Haven Women's Permanent Supportive Housing to reconfigure living spaces for 26 women to have their own independent living. $750,000 to Cineplex on Sixth Street to redevelop 119 Sixth Street (the former site of Bally Total Fitness Club) into a cineplex in downtown Pittsburgh. It will cover metals, millwork, plumbing and HVAC systems and flooring for the site. $1 million to Emerald City Development to acquire the Pitt Building downtown and develop the infrastructure to create an event space, office suites, daycare, warehouse and performance space and a restaurant. $500,000 to Hazelwood Equity One-Stop Resource Center to acquire and renovate the former Church of the Good Shepherd along with an adjoining two-story hall. $3 million to Horace Mann Village for a project which includes the redesign and renovation of the historic former Horace Mann School into residential and Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – Yesterday at the Capitol, Reps. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, and Donna Bullock, D-Philadelphia, conducted a voting rights roundtable, joined by members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Leigh M. Chapman. The goal of the discussion was to address items that individuals need to be aware of when voting, including providing details about mail-in and absentee ballots. “Folks that are in this room and have access to the information need to make sure they don’t keep it internal,” Abney said. “We need to be pushing this information back out into our communities.” “Today, we hope to have more conversation about the parameters of voting in Pennsylvania,” added Bullock, chair of the PLBC. “As we go back to our respective communities, remind folks how important their vote is.” A recording of the roundtable in its entirety can be viewed here . Read more
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 19 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a $46 million low-interest loan is being awarded to Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority . The loan will be utilized to install new catch basins in the sewer system. “These structures are outdated and on the verge of failure,” Abney said. “This project ensures that all my constituents readily have clean and safe water to use as needed.” Catch basins and similar inlets collect debris and prevent stormwater from being contaminated or impeded in its flow throughout the remainder of the sewer system. Approximately 3,600 catch basins will be replaced over the next three years. Read more
PITTSBURGH, Sept. 20 – Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, announced today that a $92,000 grant is being awarded to Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to repair the North Park Promenade . “The Allegheny Commons North Park Promenade is in need of significant renovation,” Abney said. “This project will eliminate unnecessary paths and excess pavement throughout the park while beautifying its flora as well.” The grant was awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . The grant is one of several awarded today from the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program . Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 – Rep. Aerion A. Abney, D-Allegheny, is introducing a bill today that would provide capital to small, local businesses eager to open their doors. “Local businesses are the engines driving our economy,” Abney said. “A financial jumpstart to help small businesses get established should encourage entrepreneurship.” A modernization and recapitalization of the Small Business Incubators Act, House Bill 2839 would provide up to $20 million in grants and loans for small businesses in Pennsylvania. These funds can be used to cover startup and overhead costs. Workers and investments also would be protected in Abney’s bill because grant recipients who leave the commonwealth would be required to repay those funds awarded to them in full. “Successful, local businesses help grow our economy and create good jobs everywhere,” Abney said. “These jobs pay real wages and offer both real benefits and a chance to retire, so all Pennsylvanians can have a better future.” Read more
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