McAndrew secures over $4 million in grants for community and school projects

PENN HILLS, Oct. 23 – State Rep. Joe McAndrew, D-Allegheny, announced today more than $4 million in grants to support vital community infrastructure, safety and educational improvements in Oakmont, Penn Hills, Verona and Plum.

"These grants will make a meaningful impact in our communities by improving public spaces, supporting those in need, expanding emergency services, and investing in the future of our schools," said McAndrew. "This funding will provide much-needed upgrades to our parks, roads and schools, and help us build a safer, more connected community."

The grants are provided through the Statewide Local Share Account and the Public School Facility Improvement Grant programs.

The following grants were awarded through the LSA program:

  • $600,000 to improve Riverside Park in Oakmont Borough. The project will renovate walking trails, and install rubberized play surfaces to three playgrounds, a concrete patio and an entrance plaza. The improvements will be ADA-compliant.

  • $200,000 for Jamar’s Tiny Village in Penn Hills. The project on behalf of Jamar Place of Peace would purchase five prefabricated homes to provide shelter to those in need and two storage sheds to be used as a community food bank and storage for those living in the community.

  • $500,000 to purchase three new EMS vehicles for Penn Hills to expand emergency services and enhance community safety.

  • $164,942 to repair and reconstruct roads along Sylvan Way, Front Street and Herron Avenue in Verona Borough.

  • $500,000 for the Wilkinsburg Penn Joint Water Authority to replace approximately 90 outdated water meters with new, state-of-the-art meters that provide a modern electric reading system.

The PSFIG Program awarded funding for the following:

  • $1.7 million to Penn Hills School District for an HVAC and safety project at Linton Middle School. The project will replace boilers and classroom unit ventilators and install a modern fire alarm system.

  • $500,000 to Plum Borough School District for the replacement of the high school roof, which has deteriorated and is prone to leaks that lead to indoor water damage.

Funding from the LSA and PSFIG programs are administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which is an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages.

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House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better schools and better communities. Putting people ahead of politics, House Democrats are leading the charge to lower taxes, help workers save for retirement, put more teachers in local schools, and make communities safer. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa.