Projects across region receive state grant funding
SHEPPTON – Numerous projects across our region are receiving state grant funding, including a new municipal building in Sheppton, parking improvements in Delano, and a trail in Saint Clair, legislators announced.
Many of the grants are part of the Statewide Local Share Account grant program.
“Towns and neighborhoods in all corners of our region will benefit from this funding,” Senator Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) said.
East Union Township is receiving $250,000 to build a new township building and public works garage.
The current municipal building was built in 2007.
“Regardless of the municipality, there is always a pressing need to maintain and upgrade local infrastructure and ensure that essential work vehicles are available,” said Rep. Dane Watro (R-116). “This funding, made possible through gaming revenues, is vital because it empowers our local governments to invest in critical improvements without placing additional financial burdens on taxpayers. I’m glad I could help ensure these dollars benefit 116th District communities.”
Delano Township is receiving another $152,000 to make parking improvements along Birch Street in the village, according to Argall and Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124).
“There are a lot of projects across the Commonwealth, so we had to convince the authority that this work was worthy of funding,” Barton said.
Another project receiving funding is the Schuylkill River Trail’s Mill Creek and Coal Creek sections. Schuylkill County, on behalf of the Schuylkill River Greenway Association, is receiving $300,000 to build the new section in New Castle and Blythe Townships as well as Saint Clair borough.
“These grants are a direct investment in the safety, vitality and future of our communities,” said Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123). “From police equipment to trail development, each project reflects our commitment to improving quality of life across Schuylkill County.”
Other LSA grants awarded in our area include:
- Kline Township: $73,309 to purchase a 2025 Ford police interceptor vehicle;
- Mahanoy Township: $94,000 to purchase a new mini-excavator and trailer to haul the excavator and equipment;
- McAdoo Borough: $49,978 for a sidewalk renovation project at the McAdoo Fire Company;
- Ringtown Borough: $271,000 to make improvements to the borough’s wastewater treatment plant;
- North Union Township: $70,408 for improvements to the Twin County Joint Municipal Authority wastewater treatment and collection system that serves both North Union and Black Creek townships;
- Gordon Borough: $39,915 to install new flooring in the Gordon Community Building;
- Highridge Improvement District Authority:$100,000 to purchase and install new streetlights in the Highridge Business Park in Cass Township;
- West Mahanoy Township: $95,000 to purchase police equipment.;
- Hazle Township: $150,000 to construct a pole barn for equipment storage;
- Kline-Banks-McAdoo Regional Authority: $114,889 for equipment to improve the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
Local Share Account funds are generated by the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 71 of 2004), which provides for distributing gaming revenues through the CFA to support projects in the public interest within Pennsylvania.
Additionally, more than $1M in Neighborhood Assistance program funding is coming to our area.
The funding is made possible by businesses contributing to the nonprofit organizations, for which those businesses receive tax credits.
“The business tax credits leveraged through this program support essential community initiatives such as affordable housing, workforce development, education and blight remediation,” said Watro. “The public-private collaboration embodied by NAP tax credits helps revitalize struggling neighborhoods, promotes self-sufficiency and improves the quality of life for low-income residents. At this time of year, issues like poverty and hunger are even more pronounced, so I’m grateful for these organizations doing impactful, hands-on work in our local communities.”
Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. will receive $31,500 to help fund the construction of the North Schuylkill Center for Education, Business and the Arts. Mid Penn Bank contributed to the project.
In Luzerne County, the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA will use $972,000 in funding for a project to address a blighted property in downtown Hazleton.
Facade improvements will be made to the YMCA childcare building, and a dilapidated structure will be demolished to create new recreational opportunities for YMCA members and the children in its care. The businesses contributing to the project include Jacobi Capital Management; M&T Bank; 3KR4, LLC; and 3KR3, LLC.
Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Neighborhood Assistance Program can award tax credits of up to 65% for businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ projects that must serve distressed areas or support neighborhood conservation. Projects must fall under one of the following categories: affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training or neighborhood assistance
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