Funded entirely by Pennsylvania’s impact tax on natural gas development, the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) is awarding $16 million in grants to fund 148 new projects across the state, Governor Josh Shapiro recently announced.
Since 2012, impact fees have provided more than $2.7 billion to Pennsylvania communities, demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of natural gas development beyond providing affordable, reliable energy to residents.
“These significant investments are creating safe and healthy communities, and delivering real results for Pennsylvanians,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “From funding flood mitigation projects, rehabbing our recreational trails, plugging abandoned wells and restoring watersheds, these are projects that will enhance our community and economy while improving the quality of life for Pennsylvanians.”
CFA funds are allocated to a wide range of state initiatives, encompassing projects like renovations to the Newport Elementary School in Perry County and the Market Square Memorial Park Pier Planning Project in Delaware County.
These are projects that were unlikely to come to fruition without support via impact fee revenues. What’s more, the program’s beneficiaries are not restricted to natural gas activity areas – indeed, communities in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth benefit from these investments.
Fairmount Park Conservancy, for example, was awarded $150,000 to construct the Franklin 5K Gateway in FDR Park in South Philadelphia, despite the lack of natural gas development in the area. This project will complete portions of the trail that connects the 20th Street entryways into the park and create more recreational opportunities for the local community and visitors.
What They’re Saying
Senator Anthony H. Williams: Senator Anthony Williams Announces $410K in Act 13 Funding
Senator Anthony H. Williams announced $410,000 in Act 13 grant funding for three community projects across the 8th District that will improve public parks, recreation areas, greenways, and trails while supporting local development and rehabilitation.
Senator Marty Flynn: Senator Marty Flynn Announces Over $735,000 in Act 13 Grants for Flood Mitigation, Recreation, and Environmental Projects in District
“These grants represent a significant investment in the safety, quality of life, and environmental resilience of our communities,” said Senator Flynn. “From upgrading parks and trails to implementing vital flood mitigation projects, this funding will have a meaningful impact on residents throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.”
Senator Joe Pittman and State Representative Jim Struzzi: $350,000 in State Funding for Local Projects
“I’m proud to advocate for this funding and commend area leaders for recognizing the significance of these projects, and seeking out assistance from the state level,” Pittman said. “Support for these local projects will go a long way to help ensure the ongoing vibrancy of our community. Investing in recreational and conservation initiatives is an important way to enhance quality of life and to help foster greater economic growth within our region.”
“These projects will have a positive impact on the economy of Indiana County,” Rep. Struzzi said. “Investing in the FMC Sports Complex will help secure current and future regional tournaments which will grow our tourism industry. In addition, completing the Canopy Walk and Trail and the projects at McGregor Park and Vinegar Hill will enhance these community assets that residents and visitors to our region will enjoy for years to come.”
Representative Paul Friel: Exciting News for Elverson! $70K Secured to Build Thrilling Skatepark and Pump Track for All Ages
“The community is really looking forward to this new amenity because of the excitement that pump tracks and skateparks create for riders and skaters of all ages,” said Representative Paul Friel. “Any time we can steer funding toward our communities, the taxpayer and, in this case, park enthusiasts, win big.”
Representative Gina H. Curry: Curry announces $100,000 in CFA grants
“Veterans Park is a beautiful area in the center Lansdowne Borough,” Curry stated. “Providing the people of Lansdowne with a place to reflect and honor our veterans helps bring the community together. I thank the Commonwealth Financing Authority and state Sen. Tim Kearney for securing the funding for the project so it my continue to evolve and grow.”
Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes: Mayes Announces over $1.4 million for improvement projects
“It’s vital that we continue investing state dollars in areas like affordable housing and accessibility,” said Mayes. “I’m proud to have worked with my House and Senate colleagues to bring this money back to Allegheny County and am eager to see these projects come to fruition and improve the lives of our community members.”
Senator Gene Yaw: Elkland Borough receives $125K grant for recreational facilities
The funds are designated for the Coates Avenue Recreation Facilities project in Elkland Borough. Plans include acquiring land and conducting preliminary engineering for a swimming and recreation facility. The proposed site will feature an ADA-accessible swimming pool, kid-safe pool, bathhouse, park office, meeting room, Little League fields, and an ADA-accessible playground.
Senator Elder Vogel, Jr: State funding approved for six Beaver County community projects
“I’m very pleased to announce state funding to help local communities pay for these worthy projects,” Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. stated. “Creating useful open space and upgrading playgrounds for children expands opportunities for fun, exercise and outdoor recreation.”
Allegheny County Economic Development Director: West Hills: Allegheny County’s gaming fund supports 7 local projects
“In a time clouded by uncertainty around many of the funds that we rely on to advance growth and economic development across the County and region, we are grateful for this investment,” said Lauren Connelly, county economic development director, in a statement.
Representative Andrew Kuzma: Kuzma Brings Money to the 39th District
“Each of these projects will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in southern Allegheny County,” Kuzma said. “I’m pleased my advocacy assisted with the funding. I look forward to continuing to fight to address important issues to make the 39th Legislative District a great place to live and visit.”
Representative Dane Watro & Representative Tim Twardzik: State Grants Awarded for Park Improvements in Schuylkill County
“I supported the funding for the park improvements because these projects will provide lasting benefits to our communities, offering recreational opportunities for all ages and enhancing the quality of life for residents,” said Rep. Dane Watro.
“This funding will enhance recreational opportunities for families throughout our community,” said Rep. Tim Twardzik. “The new youth basketball court in St. Clair will offer younger children a safe space to play and develop essential skills, while the upgrades to Kaska Park will improve facilities for all, supporting healthy, active lifestyles.”
Senator Dave Argall: State awards $250k for park upgrades in McAdoo, Hazle Township
Two parks in the Greater Hazleton Area will see $250,000 in upgrades, two state legislators announced Tuesday.
McAdoo is receiving $149,590 to convert tennis courts into pickleball courts at Veterans Memorial Park.
Hazle Township will receive $100,000 to improve Community Park, including rehabilitating a 0.26-mile trail and add a parking area.
“I’m grateful this highly competitive state funding will provide new opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Argall. “Our communities are healthier and stronger when we have quality parks and trails for all to enjoy.”
Representative Regina Young: Young announces $150,000 for FDR Park improvements
“This grant is going to help connect existing areas and new fields within FDR Park,” said Young. “Construction of the gateway for the Franklin 5K Loop is an important part of our redevelopment within our beloved park. These gateways will complete portions of the trail that connect to the new 20th Street entryways into the park. This is going to create more recreational opportunities not just for our community, but for the many visitors who come through FDR Park throughout the year.”
Representative Dallas Kephart: Kephart Announces Act 13 Funding for Stinky Run
State Rep. Dallas Kephart (R-Cambria/Clearfield) today shared that Clearfield Borough has received $125,000 of Act 13 funding to assist in the construction of a 3,000-foot flood protection project along Stinky Run.
“The Stinky Run project seeks to replace a currently undersized culvert system along the run,” shared Kephart. “This money is in addition to the money set aside by the Department of General Services for a large overhaul.”
Representative Perry Stambaugh and Senator Greg Rothman: Stambaugh, Rothman Announce Grants for Perry County
“These projects will address the health of our waterways and ensure all Newport Elementary School students can enjoy recreation facilities at their school,” Stambaugh said. “I applaud the CFA for recognizing how worthwhile these initiatives are.”
“Perry County is home to natural resources that contribute greatly to our quality of life,” Rothman said. “I am pleased these projects will protect and improve those resources for future generations and encourage wellness through outdoor recreation.”
