STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 20 – New funding of nearly $400,000 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will support two environment-based projects benefiting Centre County and the region, state Rep. Paul Takac announced today. Takac said the funding includes $300,000 to College Township for the development of the ClearWater Community Conservation Center. “I am proud to support this new center which will be a cornerstone for community building and environmental stewardship,” Takac said. “It will provide new and unique opportunities for folks to engage with nature, learn about conservation, and actively participate in hands-on projects to protect our environment and the Spring Creek watershed. This long-awaited and innovative project will create jobs, attract visitors and showcase the incredible natural beauty of our region.” The DCNR grant will support foundational work at the site, including the construction of a pedestrian walkway, access drive, parking area, ADA-accessible pathways, lighting, utilities, landscaping and other essential infrastructure improvements. Takac said an additional, separate grant of $99,700, also to ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA, will support installation of 6 acres of riparian forest buffers in the Susquehanna River Watershed. “Riparian buffers are a win-win for our environment because they reduce pollutants and sediment from entering our Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – A $250,000 grant from the Multimodal Transportation Fund will help State College Borough engage in a comprehensive transportation study for State College and the Centre Region, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. “I’m excited to have helped secure this funding for a comprehensive transportation study for State College and the Centre Region,” Takac said. “The goal is to map out a plan that encompasses all modes of public transit -- from bus and taxi service to ride sharing -- from a central point (the current bus station) to benefit not only Penn State but our community as a whole. “This is an urgent issue that impacts economic development and quality of life and I look forward to the results and recommendations on next steps.” The grant was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 15 – Centre County’s tourism bureau has secured more than $93,000 in state funding for the bureau’s support of the 2024 Ironman 70.3 Pennsylvania Happy Valley Triathlon, state Rep. Paul Takac announced today. Takac said that the funding for Happy Valley Adventure Bureau – secured through the Department of Community and Economic Development – provided important funding to ensure the event’s success and provides great return on investment. “Major sporting events aren’t just exciting for our community, they’re also a great economic driver,” Takac said. “This summer’s Ironman Triathlon in Centre County attracted more than 1,500 participants, families and supporters to appreciate all our region has to offer and to patronize local shops, restaurants and hotels. “Our region’s ability to successfully host major events like the Ironman Triathlon depends on the coordinated efforts of talented state, county and local partners,” Takac said. “Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance are a key part of that success. I’m grateful to them for all their work and to DCED for this funding, which provides an important stimulus to help power these efforts. “As a previous Ironman competitor and supporter of this series in Centre County, I’m thrilled to see this event, which Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 01 – $750,000 in funding from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will help ClearWater Conservancy offset the cost of constructing a community center, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. This infusion of grant dollars will be used to help create a new 12,000 square foot Community Conservation Center on 10 acres along Spring Creek in Houserville. “This grant is a fantastic opportunity for our community,” Takac said. “The funds will help repurpose and renovate a historic barn and surrounding landscape into a vibrant, multi-purpose community hub focused on conservation and education. “This new facility will not only preserve a key piece of our local heritage but also provide a vital, dynamic space for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and grow together. It will include first-class meeting and workspaces, as well as hands-on opportunities for folks of all ages. As the former chair of the Spring Creek Watershed Commission, I am truly excited about the potential of this beautiful new community space to help showcase the importance of preserving and protecting healthy waterways and ecosystems. This is a win-win for both our past and our future." Elizabeth Crisfield, Executive Director of ClearWater Conservancy, said, "ClearWater Conservancy is thrilled to receive the news of this award. We truly appreciate Representative Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – Underscoring his commitment to advancing the interests of rural communities across Pennsylvania, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, today announced his recent appointment by Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton to serve as the House Democratic caucus representative on the Center for Rural Pennsylvania’s newly created Rural Population Revitalization Commission. Takac's appointment comes at a critical juncture. Counties in rural Pennsylvania face many serious challenges, including a projected 5.8% population decline by 2050. The commission's mandate is to identify innovative strategies that will help drive development and revitalization efforts to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of these vital regions. "This appointment provides me a unique opportunity to focus on, identify, and help tackle the real challenges facing our rural communities across Pennsylvania,” Takac said. “One of my top priorities is working to find solutions that will ensure a vibrant future for every resident of our commonwealth. Since taking office, I have been laser focused on delivering for rural Pennsylvania, and my legislative record embodies that philosophy. “From helping deliver a first-of-its-kind $10 million Agricultural Innovation fund to championing the reauthorization of the $50 million Rural Jobs Investment Tax Credit program -- and from helping secure over $5.5 million in Read more
“Snow Shoe EMS covers a service area of 171 square miles, including a long stretch of Interstate 80 running through a rural area that is prone to accidents, especially in bad weather, so when an opportunity presented itself to help the EMS agency continue to aid residents and travelers alike on the Mountaintop, I was glad to help,” said Takac, D-Centre. “As the proud father of a paramedic, I know the vital role that EMS plays in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community – they support us, and we must support them.” Read more
“From vehicles and facility upgrades to construction of a new community park, these projects represent a significant investment in our quality of life and collective well-being,” Takac said. “It's a reflection of the value we place on community and our commitment to safety and prosperity. “I am proud to continue my work with local elected officials and organizations to help secure grants and demonstrate my support for the entire 82nd District — from the Mountaintop and Bald Eagle Valley to the Centre Region. Since taking office, bringing these funds back from Harrisburg has been one of my top priorities and I’m happy to say that we have been very successful. In fact, to date we have helped secure well over $7 million for projects in rural Centre County, addressing longstanding infrastructure needs and setting our region up for the future.” Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 21 – New funding of nearly $1.15 million will support a wide range of programs and projects at the Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences, state Rep. Paul Takac announced today. Takac said the funding, secured through the Department of Agriculture, includes 13 grants that will support PSU’s Ag Resource Centers, the Center for Agricultural Law and multiple individual studies. “PSU’s world-class College of Agricultural Sciences produces cutting-edge research that gives our farmers and growers the best possible tools to fight plant and livestock disease, boost productivity and keep our food supply safe,” Takac said. “The new funding is going to support a wide range of projects – from promoting pollination to detecting pathogens and improving cattle health – to keep PA a national leader in agriculture.” Takac said the grant recipients and funding amounts include: Ag Resource Centers – $300,000. Center for Agricultural Law – $100,000. Evaluating ammonium thiosulfate and lime sulphur as apple bloom thinners: efficacy and pollinator impact – $71,339. Conversion of spent mushroom substrate and low-value trees to sprayable bioplastics for agriculture – $100,000. Monitoring bee populations in Pennsylvania to improve information on wild pollinator Read more
According to Takac, the farm’s existing manure storage unit will be decommissioned and a new, 60-by-280-foot stacking structure and heavy use feeding area will be built elsewhere on the farm utilizing recommended agricultural best management practices. The construction also will include a roof, fencing, gates, reinforced animal trails, access lane, septic tank and piping outlets. Read more
STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 10 – Once again delivering on his commitment to improve local schools and ensure safer learning environments for all, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, today announced a new $105,906 grant to State College Area School District as part of the new $75M Public School Environmental Repairs Program, made possible by funding that Takac voted for in the 2023-24 Pennsylvania state budget. "There is no better investment we can make in our future than public education,” Takac said. “But unfortunately, many school buildings are aging and districts often struggle to find the money needed to repair and modernize them. “Our kids deserve buildings that are safe and free from asbestos, lead-based water pipes and paint, and inadequate or non-functioning critical infrastructure such as air conditioning and heating systems. “Like others across the commonwealth, the State College Area School District will use these funds to improve learning environments for students, teachers and staff, in this case to support much-needed renovations and upgrades at the high school’s North Building. “This is a great example of the good that government can and should do – working together to build better, safer schools for all,” Takac added. Read more
Summer 2024 Newsletter Read more
Listen to what our friends and neighbors had to say about the issues that matter to Centre County! Read more
“The lack of good-paying jobs and opportunities is leading to a falling population, as young people move away, with a corresponding decrease in local small businesses and services such as grocery stores, banks and even health care,” said Rep. Paul Takac, who hosted the House Majority Policy Committee tour and roundtable discussion. Read more
The program will help boost Pennsylvania's agriculture sector, the commonwealth’s leading industry and a key pillar of Shapiro's economic development plan. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 31 – Nearly $2.1 million will be earmarked to municipalities in Centre County to improve traffic safety, Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced. The Green Light-Go Program grants for Centre County, which are awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, are as follows: Benner Township - $168,220 for upgrades to traffic signal equipment at the intersections of Eagle Point, Amberleigh Lane, Stonecrest Drive and Benner Pike (Route 150). College Township - $463,116 for updated traffic signal equipment at seven intersections including six intersections along Park Avenue (Route 3007) and one along University Drive (Route 3022). State College Borough - $1.46 million for upgrading the boroughs existing signal network communication system. “One of the most important responsibilities of state and local governments is ensuring public safety, especially on our roads,” Takac said. “Totaling nearly $2.1 million, this significant and much needed ARLE funding will help protect drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians on some of our busiest and most heavily traveled routes. “As the former chair of the Centre Region COG’s Public Safety Committee, I am committed to partnering with local municipalities to ensure that these funds are made available and being used where they are needed most,” he added. Read more
2024-25 state budget wins, $10 million Agricultural Innovation Fund Signed into Law, In-District update, & more! Read more
STATE COLLEGE, July 18 – A grant totaling $133,106 has been awarded to Pennsylvania State University to bolster tutoring programs for adult learners, state Rep. Paul Takac announced today. The grant was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Tutoring Program for Adults and will be earmarked to train adult literacy education tutors who provide instruction to students participating in adult education and literacy activities. “This grant support underscores the power of literacy and lifelong learning,” said Takac, D-Centre. “I am excited to see Penn State receive this award, which will significantly enhance their adult tutoring programs and positively impact communities across the commonwealth. “It is our responsibility to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. I am committed to working to continue investing in and supporting programs and initiatives that open doors for adult learners to achieve their academic and professional goals." Read more
HARRISBURG, July 11 -- The state House passed legislation today authored by state Reps. Lisa Borowski and Paul Takac that would protect communities from losing access to vital health care services due to health system consolidations and closures, by providing the state attorney general with tools to shield Pennsylvanians from corporate mergers that would devastate the availability of health services and increase patient costs. House Bill 2344 would amend the Health Care Facilities Act to provide needed oversight from the Office of the Attorney General when for-profit and non-profit hospitals change hands or undertake major corporate or financial restructuring. Right now, the office’s ability to review these sales is limited. “This is about the due diligence we owe to the people who call this commonwealth home. Health system mergers literally put their lives at stake when they result in Pennsylvanians no longer being within reach of a hospital or specialized care – like maternity wards – without hours of travel,” Borowski said. “I spent more than 30 years working in health care and saw how community hospitals are not only essential for health and wellness, but for social and economic stability, as well. The fact that 14 out of the last 15 hospital closures in Pennsylvania over the past five years occurred following a merger or acquisition shows us this legislation is necessary to keep up with the new Read more
HARRISBURG, July 12 – Legislation ( H.B. 1086 ) that will help connect veterans with government and community resources is on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature, the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. Takac’s bill updates state law to allow the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to transmit information from the voluntary Veterans Registry to providers and community outreach partners that participate with the Pennsylvania VETConnect Program. “With the enactment of this simple, but important, bill, we are not just updating state law, we are reaffirming our unwavering commitment to those who have worn our nation's uniform,” Takac said. “By streamlining the transmission of information from the voluntary Veterans Registry to our dedicated partners in the Pennsylvania VETConnect Program, we are enhancing our ability to reach out, connect, and deliver vital services to our veterans and their families more efficiently and effectively than ever before. “In addition, earlier this year, the House passed my resolution creating a Pennsylvania Task Force on Agent Orange and Other Toxins in order to ensure that all eligible veterans are aware of and receiving the benefits they deserve. And I am proud to announce that I was recently appointed to that Task Force by Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton,” Takac added. Read more
My Agriculture Innovation Bill Passes House, Celebrating Pride Month, Fairly Funding Public Education & more! Read more
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