Centre County Projects Receive $3.5 Million in State Funding

This story has been updated to reflect additional projects receiving funding in the 82nd state House district.

Sixteen projects in Centre County ranging from road improvements to recreation facility renovations to water system upgrades have been awarded a combined $3.56 million in state funding, the county’s representatives and senators in the General Assembly announced late last week.

The grants are part of the latest round of funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The recent grants are funded by the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund and the state’s distribution of gaming revenues to support public projects. They cannot be used for salaries and operating expenses or costs incurred prior to awarding of the grant.

“The approval of these grants by the CFA will provide immense benefits to our community,” said state Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Cambria County, whose 35th District includes part of Centre County. “I look forward to seeing the organizations complete these projects across the 35th Senatorial District to enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Here’s a look at the projects by state House district.

77th District

• Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership: $200,000 for the Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services construction project in Rush Township to help build an ambulance headquarters building at the site of the former Philipsburg Area Hospital.

• Patton Township: $200,000 for improvements on Toftrees Avenue.

• Rush Township: $129,600 for improvements along Richard Street.

• Huston Township Authority: $166,480 to purchase and replace 51 pumps as part of its wastewater system.

“These state grants mark the kind of state investment in our communities that I’ve fought for in Harrisburg,” state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, said. “These projects make our communities safer, better places to live and help save local municipalities money by helping fund projects that otherwise wouldn’t get done, or would have to be paid for with local dollars.”

82nd District

• Benner Township Water Authority: $87,550 for renovations and upgrades to the Grove Park water system.

• Benner Township Water Authority: $80,021 to replace well pump equipment and install an automated early warning and detection system for the Hampton/Opequon water system.

• Burnside Township: $350,000 on behalf of the Pine Glen Fire Company to help purchase and construct a new firefighting tanker truck to replace an existing unit that is nearly 35 years old.

“Public safety is a top priority for every community,” state Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, said. “That is why I am pleased to announce funding for long overdue equipment upgrades to support the outstanding work of the Pine Glen Fire Company, as well as for key infrastructure investments to ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean water for residents of Benner Township.”

• Monument Water Authority in Liberty Township: $200,960 for system upgrades

“These projects are necessary and will help ensure access to safe drinking water and emergency services for years to come,” said state Sen. Cris Dush, R-Jefferson County, whose 25th District includes part of Centre County. “These critical funds are intended to reach the communities that need them. For Representative Takac and I this is not a partisan issue but an issue of taking care of the people we serve.”

• Mountaintop Regional Water Authority in Snow Shoe: $99,691 for a utility dump truck with plow system.

• Mountaintop Regional Water Authority in Snow Shoe: $319,176 for system upgrades.

• Moshannon Community Center in Snow Shoe Township: $85,000 to improve drainage and repave the parking lot, and to upgrade lighting, energy efficiency and accessibility.

• Snow Shoe Township: $139,997 for improvements to the township municipal building, including the cost of upgrades to the HVAC, electrical and heating systems and improved insulation and energy efficiency.

“During my campaign, I spoke with many folks on the Mountaintop and I pledged to be their advocate. I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to begin making good on that promise, helping deliver well over a million dollars to benefit the residents of Snow Shoe and surrounding communities,” Takac said. “These investments reflect the importance I place on representing and supporting everyone in the 82nd Legislative District, regardless of ZIP code.”

171st District

• Gregg Township: $500,000 for improvements to the Old Gregg School Community and Recreation Center.

• Millheim Borough: $400,000 for improvements to the public drinking water system.

• Nittany Valley Joint Recreation Authority: $500,000 for improvements to the Kepler Pool in Bellefonte, The pool has been closed for two years as the authority worked to raise funds to make critical repairs and improvements, which are expected to include renewal the bathhouse facility, concessions and parking areas, while also building a new wading pool and improving filtration and recreation systems and utilities..

• Penn Township: $100,000 for a new dump truck.

“These are projects I was happy to go to bat for after the awardees took the original initiative of applying for these competitive grants,” state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, said. “Each of them will be used to better their surrounding community and improve the quality of life for everyone who frequents them.”