HARRISBURG – State Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) announced the approval of more than $6.2 million in funding for local and municipal projects within the 34th Senatorial District.
“Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties continue to experience growth, which both attracts–and requires– investment,” Rothman said. “It’s gratifying to help secure funding for our local communities with these important infrastructure, safety, emergency response, recreational access, and educational projects,” he continued. “I’m pleased that so many residents will benefit from the grant funding authorized today.”
Cumberland County
South Middleton Township Municipal Authority will receive $90,000 for hydrogeologic planning. The authority provides water and sewer services to residents of four townships. The project will develop a water supply master plan and distribution system hydraulic model, which will evaluate future needs.
Silver Spring Township will receive $600,000 toward the construction of a new, 70,000-square-foot building, which will be used to house the township’s public works division and allow for expansion of staff and equipment necessary to keep up with population growth in the township.
Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, in coordination with the Cumberland Valley Preservation Society, will receive $101,840 to establish access to the historic Junkin House in Silver Spring Township. Site improvements are necessary for the establishment of a museum within the 277-year-old stone structure.
Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, on behalf of the Shippensburg University Foundation, has been awarded $323,381 for the purchase of updating lab equipment used in the university’s chemistry, biotechnology, and engineering labs. The equipment will assist students and faculty in academic study and practical research directly benefiting the university’s small business partnerships via its Cultured Analysis program with food producers.
Penn Township, on behalf of Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department, will receive $300,000 to upgrade the department’s communications system. The radio system upgrades will improve communications between responding units, as well as between responding units and county dispatch by eliminating dead spots and ensuring timely emergency response.
South Newton Township has been awarded $256,849 to replace four culverts on Big Pond Road. The new culverts will enhance safety, comply with current DEP stream crossing standards, and reduce labor costs to the township.
Wormleysburg Borough will receive $597,022 to update and upgrade the sanitary sewer system along South River Street.
Letort Regional Authority will receive $331,834 to reconstruct two footbridges in South Middleton Township, along a connector to the Letort Nature Trail from a parking area on Bonnybrook Road. The one bridge crosses Letort Spring Run and the other crosses over a tributary. New bridges are necessary to maintain safe, recreational access and to protect the waterways below.
Newville Water and Sewer Authority will receive $848,250 for the construction of an additional water tank and booster upgrades in West Pennsboro Township. This project will increase capacity, enhance efficiency and allow for future growth in the area.
North Middleton Township, on behalf of North Middleton Police Department, has been awarded $157,275 to purchase three new patrol vehicles, including the necessary emergency kit upgrades. The new vehicles will allow the department to maintain safe and responsive service to the community.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with Reps. Thomas Kutz, Barb Gleim, Torren Ecker, and Sheryl Delozier in advocating for these Cumberland County projects,” Rothman said.
“These projects are vitally important to our growing community,” said Kutz. “I appreciated the opportunity to work together to advocate for funds that will save municipalities and taxpayers in Cumberland County money while improving our communities.”
“I am pleased to have helped secure funds for my district,” Gleim said. “Every cycle we have projects we advocate for under the Local Share Account guidelines and when the projects are approved, it is good to know some of the many needs of our communities are being met.”
“These community improvement grants will make Cumberland County a better place to live, learn, work and play,” Ecker added. “I was more than happy to advocate for these projects to improve the quality of life in our communities.”
Dauphin County
Washington Township will receive $250,000 for the purchase of a new truck with specialized equipment for winter maintenance, which is necessary to meet safety standards, improve dependability and maximize efficiency. The township is responsible for the construction, repair, and maintenance of 27 miles of public roads, township-owned parking lots, public parks, and fire lanes.
“Thanks to State Rep. Joe Kerwin for his advocacy and partnership,” Rothman added.
Perry County
Perry County, on behalf of the Perry County Community Fair Association, Inc., will receive $872,301 for the purchase of critical infrastructure at the fairgrounds located in Oliver Township. The funds will be used to purchase two separate manufactured, insulated buildings, one including restroom facilities and one that will be used as a food preparation area, as well as the materials and supplies necessary for utility installation at each. These new facilities will enable the fairgrounds to grow their educational and recreational offerings.
Tyrone Township will receive $747,000 for the construction of a 3,750 square foot structure that will house both EMS training and community center. The new building will be attached to the township’s municipal offices and will provide additional paved parking spaces around the facility.
Penn Township Municipal Authority will receive $552,000 for the replacement of water service lines and fire hydrants along Eisenhower Boulevard and Princeton Street in the Sunshine Hills area. Many of the existing water lines are antiquated and insufficiently sized. New lines will be safe, appropriately sized, use upgraded materials, and produce better system control.
Marysville Borough has been awarded $229,730 to purchase a municipal dump truck that will be used to assist with road maintenance, snow removal and a wide variety of general public works tasks.
“I was proud to work with Sen. Rothman on highlighting why these projects are important and worthy of state support,” Rep. Perry Stambaugh noted. “They will make a real difference in our communities.”
Grant funding for these projects were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development, through its Local Share Account, which supports projects in the public interest and is funded by gaming revenue.
Additional $2.3M Allocated for Public School Facility Improvement
During today’s meeting, the CFA also authorized funding for several Public School Facility Improvement Grants:
Carlisle Area School District has been awarded $500,000 toward the Carlisle High School window and HVAC replacement project.
Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technology Center has been awarded $330,000 toward their HVAC upgrade project.
East Pennsboro Area School District will receive $500,000 for the East Pennsboro High School roof replacement project.
South Middleton School District will receive $1,000,000 for the Boiling Springs High School window replacement project and connectivity upgrades.
Funding of these School Facility Improvement Grants was also provided through the CFA.
CONTACT: Morgan Wagner