Venkat, Williams and Fontana hail $1 million in community grants

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Nov. 2 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat and state Sens. Lindsey Williams and Wayne Fontana announced that $1 million in state grants were awarded to two local institutions.

Venkat and Williams helped secure $500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds for reconfiguring and expanding the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company’s station.

“Our volunteer firefighters protect us every day. I am always proud to work with my colleague, Sen. Williams, and Gov. Shapiro to support their vital work,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “This grant will ensure the Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company in McCandless has the infrastructure it needs to continue their essential duties.”

“Peebles VFD has prioritized increasing the number of volunteers able to respond to every call the department receives and to improving the safety of those members while on duty. These station upgrades will give the department the space they need to improve response times, properly store needed equipment, and recruit and retain active members,” said Williams, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to support our first responders so that they can focus on what they do best—protecting our community.”

Venkat and Fontana facilitated the delivery of $500,000 RACP dollars for constructing a science and activities building on the campus of Holy Family Institute, as well.

“Holy Family Institute and Nazareth Prep are important institutions in Emsworth Borough,” Venkat said. “It is a privilege to work with Sen. Fontana and Gov. Shapiro to support efforts to improve the infrastructure of these integral parts of our community.”

RACP is a Pennsylvania grant program for the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.