Westmoreland Review

Rep. Eric Davanzo of Westmoreland has announced the approval of nearly $470,000 in state funding by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for community improvement projects within the 58th Legislative District. The Local Share Account (LSA) grants will fund various initiatives across several municipalities.

Davanzo emphasized the importance of these funds, stating, “While there are plenty of projects our municipalities would love to complete, most don’t have the resources to cross off everything on their wish lists. I’m glad we were able to bring this funding back to our district to make these important equipment and facility upgrades.”

The allocated grants include $6,789 for Monessen City’s public works department equipment and $29,960 for new equipment at Monessen Volunteer Fire Department. Mount Pleasant Township will receive $108,960 for a salt storage shed construction. North Belle Vernon Fire Department is set to get $56,178 for a generator purchase and installation.

Additionally, North Belle Vernon Police Department will use $67,030 to acquire a new police interceptor with a mobile radio and laptop. North Huntingdon Township plans to install security cameras at Oak Hollow and Indian Lake parks with its $35,500 grant. Rostraver Township is allocated $25,000 for sidewalk installations connecting key locations.

Other recipients include Scottdale Fire Department with $38,000 for equipment upgrades; Sewickley Township Volunteer Fire Company receiving $19,774 for a CPR compression device; Smithton Volunteer Fire Department getting $31,951 for a new squad truck; and South Huntingdon Township awarded $50,000 towards purchasing a street cleaner.

Senator Pat Stefano played a significant role in securing funds specifically for Scottdale Fire Department. He remarked on the importance of supporting firefighters: “Pennsylvania’s firefighters have an incredibly stressful, difficult job to protect people and property in terrifying circumstances. It shouldn’t be made even more challenging because of the pressure to fundraise simply to have the critical equipment the job requires.”

The CFA is responsible for overseeing program funding that supports Pennsylvania's economic growth through investments like these LSA grants derived from gaming revenues.