Westmoreland Review

Rep. Eric Davanzo has announced that several local governments within the 58th Legislative District have received grant funding, including Mount Pleasant Borough and South Huntingdon Township.

"Local governments work hard at keeping tax rates low while still providing the services that residents have come to expect and rely on," said Davanzo. "Grants like these allow important projects to occur but keep local governments from having to saddle residents with outrageous bills."

Mount Pleasant Borough's Frick Park will benefit from a $376,000 grant for improvements such as making the parking lot ADA compliant, revamping stormwater drainage, and adding seating. The borough also received over $215,000 for a street sweeper.

South Huntingdon Township was awarded two grants: $162,000 to replace an aging backhoe and loader, and nearly $300,000 for a new salt shed.

The grants are part of the Local Share Account program, which supports various community projects through gaming funds collected under the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act.

Additional grants were provided by the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. Yough School District will receive nearly $2 million for HVAC replacements and window upgrades. The Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center is set to receive almost $2.5 million for energy efficiency improvements at its New Stanton facility.

Other municipalities in the district also received funding:

- City of Monessen: $75,000 for a downtown business district planning study.

- North Belle Vernon Borough: $82,590 for a fire department backup generator.

- North Huntingdon Township Municipal Authority: $800,000 for Larimer Pump Station upgrades.

- Rostraver Township: $545,960 for police vehicle dash cameras and renovations.

- Rostraver Township Sewage Authority: $200,000 for pump replacements.

- Sewickley Township: $800,000 for stormwater collection improvements.

- Smithton Borough Municipal Authority: $172,925 for sewage pump installation and plant repairs.

- Sutersville Borough: $206,474 to repave Fourth Street.

- West Newton Borough: $104,375 for a public works truck.

- Monessen City School District: $966,187 to replace an elementary school roof.

- Mount Pleasant Area School District: $694,815 to retrofit lighting at the junior/senior high school.

Representative Eric Davanzo emphasized the importance of these grants in supporting community development without burdening taxpayers.