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Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 13, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Funds Who May Apply: Eligibility for these funds is open to state, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $785,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund four to six grants with budgets not to exceed $185,000 over the 15-month project period. Application Deadline: April 10, 2025 More information: PCCD Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department Read more

 

Debt from childbirth, other medical care would be relieved under new bill

(Mar 12, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Medical debt harms people in different ways. It can lead them to seek payday loans, take money out of their retirement accounts, or delay medical care. Read more

 

Pennsylvania officials, medical providers sound alarm over Medicaid cuts

(Mar 06, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A Pittsburgh-area state representative joined nonprofit health care advocates Wednesday to respond to a Congressional budget blueprint that tees up major cuts to Medicaid. Pennsylvania Democratic state Rep. Arvind Venkat, who represents the North Hills suburbs, accused congressional Republicans and the Trump administration of slashing Medicaid funding without an explanation to the public. Read more

 

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Mar 05, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agency, ports (rail/freight) Use: The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation exists in Pennsylvania. The program is intended to provide financial assistance in order to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: Requests must have a total eligible cost of $100,000 or more and no request shall exceed $3,000,000 for any project. Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 More information: DCED Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Agriculture: Farm Vitality Planning Grant Who May Apply: Farmers, prospective farmers, and others may apply. Use: Strategic business Read more

 

Venkat: $250,000 for infrastructure project in local community

(Feb 24, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

BEN AVON HEIGHTS, Feb. 24 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that a $250,000 state grant was awarded to the Borough of Ben Avon Heights for work focused on pedestrian safety and ease of travel throughout the community. The grant, made possible by the Multimodal Transportation Fund, will be used to complete a sidewalk installation project along Canterbury Road by connecting the existing sidewalk from the Shannopin Country Club to New Brighton Road. “Keeping residents safe and the community of Ben Avon Heights connected are priorities I’m proud to help bring to fruition with these dollars,” Venkat said. “Thank you to Sen. Devlin Robinson for his collaboration on this bipartisan effort to improve local infrastructure.” Venkat and Robinson procured a $181,100 Local Share Account grant for Ben Avon Heights’ project last year as well. The representatives’ advocacy has resulted in a total of $431,100 secured. The MTF, a Commonwealth Financing Authority program, provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 20, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commonwealth Financing Authority: PA Small Water and Sewer Program Who May Apply: Municipalities or a municipal authority Use: Projects that involve the construction, improvement, expansion, repair, or rehabilitation of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects that are owned and maintained by an eligible applicant. Funds: Projects must have a total cost of not less than $30,000 and not more than $500,000. A total of $50 million was allocated in the fiscal year 2024/25 Fiscal Code. Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Funds: Grant requests shall not exceed $250,000. Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 More information: CFA Website Commonwealth Financing Authority: Baseline Water Quality Data Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, Councils of Governments, Authorized Organizations, Institutions of Higher Education, Watershed Organizations, for profit businesses. Use: Eligible Read more

 

Venkat secures nearly $160,000 in state grants for local fire & EMS companies

(Feb 13, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Feb. 12 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that the Office of the State Fire Commissioner awarded nearly $160,000 in funding to fire and EMS companies in the 30th Legislative District. “Just as the men and women of our local emergency services keep us safe, we must do the exact same for them. These dollars will help provide them with the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively,” Venkat said. “As a physician-legislator, I will continue to advocate for state support for our heroic first responders.” Grant recipients are: Emsworth Volunteer Fire Company Inc.: $14,385.41 Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $13,094.35 Hampton Township Volunteer Fire Department 1: $12,448.81 Highland Firemans Association: $15,030.95 Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company No. 2: $12,458 McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority: $15,000 Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company of Allegheny County: $13,739.88 Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company: $16,322.02 Ross West View EMS Authority: $31,322.02 (for fire and EMS services) Shaler-Hampton Area Emergency Medical Services: $15,000 The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Feb 11, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Below are multiple grant programs that are currently open for applications. NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: All-Terrian Vehicle and Snowmobile Program Who May Apply: Municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations Use: All-Terrain Vehicle and Snowmobile projects include the planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction, and development of educational programs related to ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities. Funds: Funding comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016. There is no match requirement for this funding; however, applications that provide match funding will be given additional consideration. Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 More information: DCNR Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Medical & MH Pilots for CSA Victims Who May Apply: Any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a CAC or MDIT (e.g., public agency or hospital), or unit of local government. Schools (including colleges and universities) are considered governmental units and are eligible to apply. Use: The goal of this specific solicitation is to support the development and implementation of innovative pilot projects that enhance or expand medical and mental health services for Read more

 

Allegheny County lawmakers propose House bill to require food allergy warnings in restaurants

(Feb 10, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A bipartisan Pennsylvania House bill on food allergy safety authored by two Allegheny County lawmakers could see a floor vote this week. Read more

 

Two state lawmakers in Allegheny County working on legislation to require restaurants to add allergy warnings

(Feb 10, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

Two Pennsylvania lawmakers who serve Allegheny County are trying to advance a proposed bill that would require restaurants to add allergy warnings for customers and employees. Read more

 

Venkat and Mihalek food allergy safety bill passes House

(Feb 05, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Natalie Mihalek’s legislation that would promote food allergy safety in multiple ways passed the Pennsylvania House today. House Bill 77 would mandate that menus in restaurants and food establishments contain a disclaimer regarding food allergies and that there are posters to make servers aware of food allergies present in food preparation and staff areas. “This bill would put in place commonsense food safety practices focused on preventing food allergy exposures and, most importantly, saving as many lives as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “Thank you to Rep. Mihalek for her partnership on this legislation and to my fellow House members for putting the lives of Pennsylvanians first with your affirmative votes.” “Food safety continues to be an important topic, and for good reason, as our citizens deserve to have confidence that the food they are eating doesn’t pose a threat. This bill is just one important step in providing that confidence,” added Mihalek, R-Allegheny. “Rep. Venkat has been a strong advocate on this issue, and it was an honor to work with him.” More than 33 million Americans have food allergies, and it is estimated that food allergies lead to 200 deaths per year. Over a 13-year period, nearly half of fatal food allergy reactions were caused by accidental food allergen exposure at a restaurant or other food service Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Conservation and Natural Resources: Community Conservation Partnerships Program Who May Apply: Counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofit organizations, state heritage areas, prequalified land trusts, for-profit organizations (for some grant types). Use: Funds may be used for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation, including, but not limited to, park and recreation rehabilitation and development, recreation and conservation planning, trail planning and construction, land acquisition and conservation, river access and conservation, community and riparian tree planting, and regional and statewide partnerships to better develop and manage resources. Funds: Funds for this program come from a mix of state and federal sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Snowmobile Restricted Account, the All-Terrain Vehicle Restricted Account, and more. Application Deadline: April 2, 2025 More information: DCNR Website PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 Read more

 

Venkat: $200,000 to support our local communities

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that a total of $200,000 in state funds was awarded to organizations in Ben Avon and Ohio Township through the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund. The Avonworth Historical Society will receive a $100,000 grant to restore its building, make improvements to the electrical system, flooring, drywall and insulation and for waterproofing. Another $100,000 grant will go to Ohio Township for the construction of a new EMS and fire training facility. “Keeping residents safe, supporting organizations that improve the quality of life of our community, and helping our first responders who make it their mission to protect us are all critically important,” Venkat said. “These dollars are, first and foremost, investments in the people of our region. I am proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis with colleagues in the state Senate to make these investments a reality.” GEDTF monies are facilitated by the Commonwealth Financing Authority . These grants, funded through gaming revenues, provide financial support to municipalities, authorities, councils of governments, non-profits and others to carry out important economic development projects in Allegheny County. Eligible projects promote local economic activities, create jobs, improve or create infrastructure, promote public safety, assist in workforce development, or improve recreational activities. Read more

 

Pa. House committee advances bill requiring food allergy warnings

(Jan 29, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A Pennsylvania House committee advanced a bill that would require restaurants and other establishments to post warnings about the dangers of food allergies. Read more

 

As Pennsylvania legislators reintroduce medical debt relief legislation, Pittsburgh's program stalls

(Jan 24, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

A bipartisan group of state legislators have re-introduced a proposal to create a medical debt relief program that could erase hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid medical bills. Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Victims of Crime Act 2025-2027 Who May Apply: Agencies currently receiving federal Victims of Crime Act funding. Use: The federal VOCA guidelines classify eligible activities/costs into three categories: direct service costs, activities supporting direct services, and subrecipient administrative costs. The federal VOCA guidelines can be found in the Federal Register at: Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Program . Funds: This solicitation is for approximately $53.9 million in federal VOCA funds for the first year with year two amounts being determined at the November 2025 Victims Services Advisory Committee (VSCA) meeting. PCCD expects to fund approximately 157 grants. Applicants will be required to submit a continuation application for year two. Application Deadline: March 14, 2025 More information: PCCD Website Department of Health: WalkWorks Active Transportation Planning Program Who May Apply: Municipalities and metropolitan and rural planning organizations. Priority will be given to communities located in PA DOH State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) priority counties or with an overall percentile rating above 60 in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) PennEnviroScreen Tool. The 10 current SPAN target counties are: Clearfield, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Northumberland, and Philadelphia. Use: Funds will be Read more

 

Venkat: $460,000 for stormwater infrastructure in Franklin Park

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

FRANKLIN PARK, Jan. 22 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced that $460,000 in state funds were awarded to the borough of Franklin Park for stormwater management infrastructure. The monies, a low-interest, long-term loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority , will be used to implement a new strategy using the existing stormwater basin. Using the strategy, stormwater runoff/sediment will be reduced by 10%, i.e. nearly 81,000 pounds. “Stormwater infrastructure is critical for the health and well-being of our community,” Venkat said. “Often, such infrastructure is very expensive and not easy to upgrade or maintain. I am proud to have advocated successfully for this award to help my constituents in Franklin Park.” PENNVEST’s project in the borough of Franklin Park will benefit 5,500 residential households. Read more

 

Venkat, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives

(Jan 22, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Jan. 22 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat and Jamie Flick have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create and disseminate materials integral to recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose to empower Pennsylvanians to save the lives of their fellow citizens. House Bill 269 would require Pennsylvania’s Department of Health to develop a poster explaining: the signs of an opioid-related overdose. what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose. where to find an opioid antagonist such as Naloxone. where to find additional resources and information. The poster would be made available online to download for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses. “Our country and state remain mired in the deadly grip of opioid addiction, so providing resources to decrease loss of life is essential,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’ve treated countless patients suffering from overdoses as an emergency physician, and informing family members that their loved ones have passed is truly heartbreaking. “I want to thank Rep. Flick for being a co-prime sponsor on this legislation, which strives to save the lives of as many Pennsylvanians as possible, and the Stop the Judgement Project , led by neighbors of mine in Franklin Park , for their tireless advocacy that led to this legislation.” “I could not be more thrilled to work Read more

 

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt

(Jan 16, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Nate Davidson, Tarik Khan, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Andrew Kuzma, Jim Rigby and Tim Twardzik have introduced a bipartisan bill that would create the Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program. The legislation ( H.B. 79 ) would target the medical debt of low-income Pennsylvania residents for relief. The Pennsylvania Medical Debt Relief Program would also improve the finances of health care institutions and providers, concentrated largely in rural Pennsylvania, that regularly carry debt that is less likely to be repaid. Furthermore, the legislation would enact provisions to ensure transparency in existing hospital charity care programs and provide assistance in applying for charity care to prevent the accumulation of new medical debt. “Medical debt has been dubbed a ‘uniquely American problem,’ so it’s my hope that our bill will help provide relief to as many Pennsylvanians as possible,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “I’m proud to partner with bipartisan colleagues on this legislation that reduces the burden of affording medical care and allows families to put more food on the table.” “This legislation is more than just a policy – it's a lifeline that restores dignity, empowers families, and ensures that health does not come at the cost of hardship. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan measure so that vulnerable Pennsylvanians can focus on their Read more

 

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Jan 15, 2025) Rep. Arvind Venkat

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Education: Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program Who May Apply: Public institutions of higher education. Use: Funding may be used to offer college coursework to high school students enrolled in eligible school entities. Funds: $14 million in state funding was allocated through the 2024 School Code. Application Deadline: February 10, 2025 More information: PDE Website Department of Environmental Protection: Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Draining Grant Program Who May Apply: An authority, incorporated nonprofit, political subdivision, or conservation district. Use: Funds may be used for abandoned mine land reclamation and abandoned mine drainage treatment or abatement. Funds: $75 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: April 25, 2025. Applicants must contact DEP ( ra-epamgrantprogram@pa.gov ) prior to applying for an initial project consultation. More information: DEP Website Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Integrated Health Solutions Who May Apply: Physical health care providers, hospitals, rural health centers, or federally qualified health clinics. Use: To promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practice between behavioral health care and primary physical health care. Funds: $3 million in funding is available from the Publicis Health Opioid Settlement. Application Deadline: January 24, 2025 More information: DDAP Website Read more

 

Grant Memo: Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 13, 2025

Debt from childbirth, other medical care would be relieved under new bill
Mar 12, 2025

Pennsylvania officials, medical providers sound alarm over Medicaid cuts
Mar 06, 2025

Transportation, Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Mar 05, 2025

Venkat: $250,000 for infrastructure project in local community
Feb 24, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 20, 2025

Venkat secures nearly $160,000 in state grants for local fire & EMS companies
Feb 13, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Feb 11, 2025

Allegheny County lawmakers propose House bill to require food allergy warnings in restaurants
Feb 10, 2025

Two state lawmakers in Allegheny County working on legislation to require restaurants to add allergy warnings
Feb 10, 2025

Venkat and Mihalek food allergy safety bill passes House
Feb 05, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 29, 2025

Venkat: $200,000 to support our local communities
Jan 29, 2025

Pa. House committee advances bill requiring food allergy warnings
Jan 29, 2025

As Pennsylvania legislators reintroduce medical debt relief legislation, Pittsburgh's program stalls
Jan 24, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 22, 2025

Venkat: $460,000 for stormwater infrastructure in Franklin Park
Jan 22, 2025

Venkat, Flick introduce bipartisan legislation to raise awareness on opioid overdoses and save lives
Jan 22, 2025

Venkat, Davidson, Khan, Kosierowski, Kuzma, Rigby, and Twardzik introduce bipartisan legislation to help Pennsylvanians overcome medical debt
Jan 16, 2025

Agricultural, Environmental, Health, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Jan 15, 2025