Southwest PA News

Dec. 19, 2023 - Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) has announced that over $2.3 million in grants have been awarded to the 48th Legislative District by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. These grants, funded through federal COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, aim to address municipal concerns and protect the environment.

According to O'Neal, the pandemic has had a significant impact on various sectors of society, including nonprofit arts and historical organizations, as well as delayed water and sewer projects. He expressed his support for these improvements, stating, "I’m happy to support these improvements that will address municipal concerns and protect the environment."

State aid is crucial for the completion of necessary projects, especially when they involve infrastructure. Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver/Washington/Greene) commented, "Without state aid, necessary projects – particularly when they involve infrastructure – can be extremely costly to residents. I’m pleased these projects can be completed without a substantial burden on our communities."

The grants awarded in the 48th district include two sets of grants. The first set is allocated to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program. This program received $205.4 million under Act 54 of 2022 to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm water projects. The projects in the 48th district that were awarded grants include a $700,000 grant for a sanitary sewer improvement project for Carroll Township Authority and a $1 million grant for the Quarry Road Pump Station project for South Strabane Township.

The second set of grants supports the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program, which received $105.6 million under Act 54 of 2022. These grants aim to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, rehabilitation, or repair of water supply system, sanitary sewer system, and storm water system projects. The projects in the 48th district that received grants include a $389,781 grant for the rehabilitation of the Patterson Road Sewage Pump Station for South Franklin Township and a $200,000 grant for a sewer extension project along Lindley Road for North Strabane Township Municipal Authority.

In addition to the water and sewer grants, the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program (PACR) was created from COVID-19 ARPA funds. This program provides grants to nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts and culture districts, and arts and culture professionals in the Commonwealth. The aim is to ensure the stability and recovery of the arts and culture sector from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 48th district, the Bradford House Historical Association received a $10,178 grant for operating costs, while the Washington County Historical Society received a $10,000 grant for operating expenses, new programs, and marketing.

The 48th Legislative District in Washington County covers a wide range of areas, including the city of Washington, various townships, and boroughs. Representative Tim O’Neal represents this district and has been actively advocating for the funding of these projects.

These grants will not only address crucial infrastructure needs but also support the stability and recovery of the arts and culture sector. The funding will ensure that necessary projects can be completed without burdening the residents and will contribute to the overall well-being and development of the 48th Legislative District.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.reponeal.com/News/33322/Press-Releases/Millions-Awarded-in-Water,-Sewer,-Arts-Grants,-O%E2%80%99Neal-Says-