Communities throughout Pennsylvania received natural gas impact tax funded grants for key environmental and infrastructure projects this week. The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved 152 projects, totaling $20,885,000, for projects in counties across the state.
These funds are in addition to the impact fee dollars that directly benefit each county annually.
Elected officials celebrated these new project approvals, many giving thanks to the taxing solution that made them possible:
“These projects are crucial to protecting our natural resources and providing area residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I’m pleased that this funding will help to give way to a greater appreciation of our surroundings.” – Senator Jake Corman (9/18/19)
“I’m pleased to see the CFA is using some of its Marcellus Impact Fee funding for this purpose. Our local parks are significant parts of their communities and they enhance the quality of life for residents.” – Senator Joe Pittman (9/17/19)
Since 2012, the CFA has funded 868 grants through the impact fee, totaling more than $137 million for projects ranging from stream restorations, trail extensions and new parks. This year’s project approvals come on the heels of the impact fee generating a record-breaking $252 million in revenue.
Here are some highlights of projects funded:
Delaware County News: Green projects in Chester County get funding to tune of $740,000
“The projects, financed under the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, were approved today by the Commonwealth Finance Authority. They are as follows: •$250,000 for East Whiteland Township for the Sidley Road to Chester Valley Trail Connection Design. etc …” (9/17/19)
Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Pittsburgh, suburbs receive state grants for park improvements
“In Oakmont, that money will go toward developing Chateau Beach Park, a lot along the Allegheny River that officials are now eyeing as a kayak park. A separate grant award of $139,000 will be used to rehab the track at Riverside Park.” (9/17/19)
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown gets state funding for storm arch repair
“The office of state Sen. Bob Mensch, R-24th Dist., announced Tuesday that $281,884 in flood mitigation funding is coming for the $331,629 project. “Watershed restoration and stormwater infrastructure projects are critical for healthy communities, but they are very expensive,” Mensch said. “I am very pleased to announce this state assistance for this important work.” (9/17/19)
WTAJ: $878,000 in state grants awarded to support several projects in Cambria County
“State Representative Frank Burns announced today that the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded a total of $877,776 in state funds. These funds will provide needed infrastructure repairs and enhanced recreational opportunities for Cambria County.” (9/17/19)
Courier Express: Scarnati announces state grants for local projects
“I was pleased to advocate for these important grants, which will help to make improvements within our region that residents and visitors will benefit from for years to come,” Scarnati said. “Rural communities, like ours, deserve to have the same meaningful state investments as suburban and urban areas of Pennsylvania.” (9/17/19)
Lock Haven Express: Centre getting $200,000 in recreation, environmental grants
“When it comes to the natural beauty of Central Pennsylvania, our area is unrivaled,” Senator Corman said. “These projects are crucial to protecting our natural resources and providing area residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I’m pleased that this funding will help to give way to a greater appreciation of our surroundings.” (9/18/19)
The Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County rec authority gets $244K grant to link trails
“A grant of $244,375 from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development will help with engineering required in determining the best route to connect the authority’s Path of the Flood and Jim Mayer Riverswalk trails.” (9/18/19)
The Daily Item: State boosts Valley flood mitigation projects by $1.3M
“Upper Augusta Township in Northumberland County has been awarded $468,890 and Middleburg Borough in Snyder County will receive $348,300 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority via the Flood Mitigation program, according to a joint statement from state Sen. John Gordner and state Reps. Lynda Schlegel Culver and David Rowe.” (9/17/19)
Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Vandergrift pool finally lands $165,000 grant for new liner
“The Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $165,000 for a much needed new liner and other improvements to the Joseph A. Petrarca Memorial Pool in Vandergrift, named in honor of his late father, also a state legislator.” (9/18/19)
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader: Luzerne County projects receive more than $660,000 in CFA funding
“The Act 13 grant funding awarded to North Branch Land Trust demonstrates the key role the Commonwealth plays in connecting this universally accessible pathway for residents and visitors alike,” Elissa Garofalo, executive director, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor said.” (9/18/19)
Erie News Now: Erie County Recreation Projects Awarded Thousands in State Grants
“Recreational development projects in Erie County will benefit from a total of $342,000 in grants awarded Tuesday. “These grants represent an investment by the state in the development and protection of recreational areas throughout Erie County,” said State Sen. Dan Laughlin.” (9/17/19)
Saucon Source: Lower Saucon Gets Grant for New Playground Equipment
“State Rep. Justin Simmons (R-131) announced Wednesday that two improvement projects in his district will benefit from an additional $170,000 in state funding recently approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) in Harrisburg.” (9/18/19)
Patch: Lansdale Gets $290K Grant To Improve Whites Road Park
“Lansdale has received a significant grant to help improve Whites Road Park, state officials announced this week. The borough has received a $290,672 grant to help with extensive streambank restoration in the park, along a tributary of Towamencin Creek.” (9/18/19)
YourErie: Rep. Pat Harkins announces $190,000 grant to fund improvements to McClelland Park
“The grant to McClelland Park will fund multiple will fund multiple improvements including the installation of an ADA accessible land bridge to be constructed across a stream in the park’s eastern section, the construction of a 240- foot boardwalk to improve accessibility over wet ground.” (9/17/19)
Pottstown Mercury: Birdsboro pedestrian bridge awarded state grant
“Commonwealth Financing Authority approved more than $250,000 in funding for the development of a skatepark along Canal Street in Reading and the installation of a pedestrian bridge near Rustic Park in Birdsboro.” (9/17/19)
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