McAndrew, Costa announce $2M in state funding for local projects
Rep. Joe McAndrew November 4, 2024 | 11:01 AM
PENN HILLS, Nov. 4 – Today, state Rep. Joe McAndrew and state Sen. Jay Costa, both D-Allegheny, announced $2 million in Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program funding benefitting two projects in Penn Hills.
“I've listened closely to our Penn Hills community, and the message was clear: we need to invest in our youth and provide more after-school opportunities,” McAndrew said. “These two grants are more than funding – they're a commitment to our young people. I’m proud to support projects where young people can learn, grow and build their futures.”
“I am so proud to live in a community with organizations doing incredible work to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors, and I’m honored to do my part to deliver the resources to keep them going,” Costa said. “I look forward to seeing these critical projects come to fruition and continue to beautify Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.”
Along with Costa, McAndrew announced that Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens of Penn Hills Township was awarded $1 million for the De’Avry A. Thomas Community Center. The project involves the first phase of renovations at the former Lincoln Park Community Center, which is being re-envisioned as the De’Avry A. Thomas Community Center.
“Being awarded the RACP funding from the commonwealth feels like a huge win, not just for us at Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens Community Center, but for every young person who walks through our doors,” said Kahlil G Darden, founder and CEO of Young Motivated Black Kings and Queens. “This award means we can create spaces that truly reflect the potential we see in our youth – places where they can feel safe, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams. Renovating our center is about more than new walls and fresh paint; it’s about building a foundation for hope and opportunity. We’re incredibly thankful to Representative McAndrew and Senator Costa for their ongoing support, which shows our community that when we come together, we can make real, lasting change.”
McAndrew and Costa also announced that AWK Inc. of Penn Hills Township was awarded $1 million for the development of their Elite Athlete Training Complex. The project consists of the preliminary site development and new construction of an elite sports training facility. The project will include an indoor football field, two basketball courts, six pickleball courts, a weight/speed-training room, a learning center with three auditorium style classrooms, cafeteria/kitchen, and a 72-bed dormitory.
Per the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.”