Westmoreland Review

Dec 19, 2023

HARRISBURG - Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) has announced the allocation of funding by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for several local infrastructure projects. Cooper expressed her appreciation for the CFA's support, stating, "Local officials work hard to handle taxpayer funds responsibly while still prioritizing infrastructure projects that improve the lives of area residents. Investments like these by the CFA provide an important helping hand to make these projects a reality."

Working in collaboration with Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Westmoreland/Indiana), Cooper revealed that two grants of $500,000 each have been awarded to the New Kensington City Municipal Authority for the replacement of waterlines along 7th Street, Beamer Avenue, Fairmont Drive, Dugan Way, and Willis Road. The Municipal Authority of Washington Township has also received funding, with $571,333 allocated for stormwater improvements in the Paulton area and an additional $40,630 for manhole improvements in Washington Acres.

Cooper's efforts, in conjunction with Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), have resulted in a $191,173 grant for a sewer line replacement project along Buchanan Street in Export Borough. Cooper emphasized the significance of these infrastructure projects, stating, "Repair and expansion of waterlines and stormwater facilities are costly but vital to economic development and the overall quality of life in any community."

The grants awarded for these projects are funded through Pennsylvania's H20 PA and Small Water and Sewer programs. The CFA, an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development, was established in 2004 with the aim of distributing funding for economic growth.

Cooper further highlighted the importance of this funding, noting that it provides a significant boost to local budgets without impacting taxes and water and sewage rates. She stated, "Local budgets are often stretched thin, and these grants will provide much-needed support for infrastructure projects."

In addition to the aforementioned projects, the 55th Legislative District will also benefit from additional grants. Derry Township will receive $424,563 to extend a water line on Guthrie Road, while the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Derry will be awarded $346,562 to replace a water line on Bergman Road. Derry Township Municipal Authority will receive $208,522 to improve a sewage system near Keystone State Park, and Export Borough will receive $173,000 to replace pipes and add manholes on Italy Street. The Municipality of Murrysville will receive $181,007 to rehabilitate detention basins, and Salem Township will receive $250,000 to expand an existing stormwater system in the Cramer neighborhood.

These grants are a testament to the commitment of Rep. Jill Cooper and her colleagues to improving local infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the 55th Legislative District.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.repjillcooper.com/News/33332/Press-Releases/Cooper-Announces-Funding-for-Local-Infrastructure-Projects-