Author: Tiffany P

HARRISBURG – Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-39) today announced the approval of $7.1 million to support three community, economic development, and revitalization projects in Westmoreland County.

“Community and economic development go hand-in-hand,” said Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward.  “The funding announced today for these projects will strengthen our local economy through job creation, advance our regional efforts to attract and grow businesses, while also improving the quality of life for our residents.”

Supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), the funding will support critical expansion projects, providing opportunities for additional employment training, job creation and community services.

The following projects that were approved across Westmoreland County include:

Renovate Sullivan Hall – Seton Hill University Campus – $4.0 million
This project will renovation Sullivan Hall, a cherished SHU campus landmark. Construction includes: selective building demolition, site preparation, site improvements, site mechanical and electrical utilities, foundation, superstructure, exterior enclosure, roofing, interior construction, finishes, specialties, HVAC, fire protection, plumbing and electrical. The design incorporates energy conservation techniques such as the use of energy efficient lighting, heating/air conditioning equipment, ample glass openings, and modern control systems. Exterior walls and the roof will be insulated to reduce energy consumption.

Hempfield Township Municipal Complex Phase 1 – $2.1 million
This project will prepare the entire site for development. It will consist of clearing and grubbing the entire site, performing earthwork and grading to final grades, preparing the pad foundations for all of the future buildings and roadways, and construction/extending all on-site utilities and necessary infrastructure to serve each of the future developments. It will also include construction of all of the proposed stormwater facilities, construction of a new road, construction of the interconnecting walking/biking trail system, and installation of site lighting and landscaping along the new roadway and walking/biking trail.

Laurel Highlands Workforce and Opportunity Centers Expansion – $1.0 million
This project will prepare the entire site for development. It will consist of clearing and grubbing the entire site, performing earthwork and grading to final grades, preparing the pad foundations for all of the future buildings and roadways, and construction/extending all on-site utilities and necessary infrastructure to serve each of the future developments. It will also include construction of all of the proposed stormwater facilities, construction of a new road, construction of the interconnecting walking/biking trail system, and installation of site lighting and landscaping along the new roadway and walking/biking trail.

The projects announced today are in addition to the RACP funds announced in April of 2022.

 

Contact: Erica Clayton Wright, ewright@pasen.gov, (412) 334-4856

GREENSBURG – Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) issued the following statement today on the fourth anniversary of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting.

“Four years ago today, we all watched in horror as the lives of eleven souls in prayer were taken by a lone gunman at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.

“This assault on the members of the Tree of Life, New Light, and Dor Hadash congregations had rippling effects throughout the American Jewish community, our Commonwealth, and our nation.

“But out of this tragic act, resilience was born. Acts of love and kindness – all of which rang across our southwestern Pennsylvania neighborhoods, Commonwealth, nation, and world – conquered the hate that was acted on that day.

“From the first responders who came to the rescue, to the residents of all ages from the Squirrel Hill community who held vigils, to the outpouring of compassion that was defined by a few words that personify our steel city community – Stronger Than Hate. 

“Let’s never forget those words for they not only ring loudly today in the City of Pittsburgh, but also in the towns and communities across Pennsylvania. We are stronger than hate. We are stronger together.”

 

CONTACT:    Erica Clayton Wright

                        412-334-4856

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) today offered the following statement regarding passage of the HB 1059 – The Economic Development for Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credit program.

“Steadfast in our position to put Pennsylvania on a path towards prosperity, the General Assembly today took another major step forward in setting up our state’s economy for long-term success with the passage of HB 1059 – The PA Economic Development for Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credit program. PA EDGE is another investment in Pennsylvania that signals to the businesses community that Pennsylvania is open for business. Such an investment will have a multiplier effect in revenue generation and job creation with regional outcomes across the Commonwealth and consists of $141.6 million in tax credits annually targeting various industries across the Commonwealth including hydrogen production, milk processing, and biomedical research.”

 

Contact: Erica Clayton Wright, ewright@pasen.gov, (412) 334-4856.

HARRISBURG – Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-39) today announced the approval of $7.1 million to support three community, economic development, and revitalization projects in Westmoreland County.

“Community and economic development go hand-in-hand,” said Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward.  “The funding announced today for these projects will strengthen our local economy through job creation, advance our regional efforts to attract and grow businesses, while also improving the quality of life for our residents.”

Supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), the funding will support critical expansion projects, providing opportunities for additional employment training, job creation and community services.

The following projects that were approved across Westmoreland County include:

Renovate Sullivan Hall – Seton Hill University Campus – $4.0 million
This project will renovation Sullivan Hall, a cherished SHU campus landmark. Construction includes: selective building demolition, site preparation, site improvements, site mechanical and electrical utilities, foundation, superstructure, exterior enclosure, roofing, interior construction, finishes, specialties, HVAC, fire protection, plumbing and electrical. The design incorporates energy conservation techniques such as the use of energy efficient lighting, heating/air conditioning equipment, ample glass openings, and modern control systems. Exterior walls and the roof will be insulated to reduce energy consumption.

Hempfield Township Municipal Complex Phase 1 – $2.1 million
This project will prepare the entire site for development. It will consist of clearing and grubbing the entire site, performing earthwork and grading to final grades, preparing the pad foundations for all of the future buildings and roadways, and construction/extending all on-site utilities and necessary infrastructure to serve each of the future developments. It will also include construction of all of the proposed stormwater facilities, construction of a new road, construction of the interconnecting walking/biking trail system, and installation of site lighting and landscaping along the new roadway and walking/biking trail.

Laurel Highlands Workforce and Opportunity Centers Expansion – $1.0 million
This project will prepare the entire site for development. It will consist of clearing and grubbing the entire site, performing earthwork and grading to final grades, preparing the pad foundations for all of the future buildings and roadways, and construction/extending all on-site utilities and necessary infrastructure to serve each of the future developments. It will also include construction of all of the proposed stormwater facilities, construction of a new road, construction of the interconnecting walking/biking trail system, and installation of site lighting and landscaping along the new roadway and walking/biking trail.

The projects announced today are in addition to the RACP funds announced in April of 2022.

 

Contact: Erica Clayton Wright, ewright@pasen.gov, (412) 334-4856

The expansion of Megan’s Law is the first legislation of its kind to be introduced in the country.

HARRISBURG – The Megan’s Law Expansion Legislation (SB 118) moved one step closer to becoming law today, passing in the House of Representatives in a 184-16 vote. SB 118, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, requires offenders convicted of any sex trafficking-related offense to register.

“I applaud the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for passing this legislation. We must serve as advocates for these victims by immediately registering offenders when trafficking incidents are reported,” said Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward. “SB 118 helps victims by amending Megan’s Law to include the sex trafficking of minors to the sex offender registry, offering one more resource to reduce such heinous acts.”

Sex trafficking is a major issue in Pennsylvania, as our state ranks ninth in the nation for the most reported cases of human trafficking. Most traffickers are repeat offenders and use psychological ploys of tricking, defrauding, manipulating or threatening victims, especially minors.

The bill now moves to the governor for signature.

 

Contact: Erica Clayton Wright, (717) 787-6063

(Harrisburg) – Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-39) today announced $479, 212 in grant funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to fund three local projects in Westmoreland County.

“Strong communities help build strong economies,” said Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward.  “The funding announced today will advance local infrastructure projects that are important to helping our community be a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

The following projects that were approved across Westmoreland County include:

• Mendon Parent Teacher Organization – $162,872

Greenways, Trails, and Recreation funds for playground renovations at Mendon Elementary School in South Huntingdon, Twp.

• Municipal Recreation Authority, Borough of West Newton – $76,340

Greenways, Trails, and Recreation funds to restore the existing community swimming pool located in West Newton Borough.

Rostraver Township – $240,000
Greenways, Trails, and Recreation funds to install lighting at the DiVirgilio Sports Complex located in Rostraver, Township.

The grants were awarded by the CFA under its Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program. The program is funded with money assessed by the Commonwealth through the state’s Impact Fee, which is paid by the state’s unconventional natural gas producers.

 

Contact: Erica Clayton Wright, ewright@pasen.gov, (412) 334-4856