AMBRIDGE, June 10 – New grant funding of $1.3 million will create affordable housing and other opportunities for Beaver and Allegheny county residents struggling with homelessness, substance use and other issues , state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – will go to area organizations serving the area’s most vulnerable residents. “Having a place to call home can provide new hope and a fresh start for those in our community who are struggling because of addiction, domestic violence and other hardships,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help them get back on their feet, and it comes at an important time, when the pandemic has made life more difficult for many of our most vulnerable residents.” Matzie said the projects funded include: Cornerstone of Beaver County – Emergency Shelter Renovation Project -- $200,000. Beaver County Commissioners – Home Modification Program -- $100,000. Beaver County – Rental and Utility Assistance -- $50,000. Willissae’s Agency for Vision and Empowerment for WAVE Housing Services -- $50,000. Allegheny County Department of Human Services – Mobility Counseling Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 9 – State grants totaling more than $3.5 million will bolster Beaver and Allegheny county probation services, improve treatment and support for abuse victims, and fund opioid abuse education and overdose prevention programs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said some of the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will fund rehabilitation programs that can reduce recidivism rates by offering treatment-based alternatives to jail time. “Good, quality probation services can play a huge role in steering offenders back on the path to productive lives,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to strengthen Beaver County’s probation services and support sentencing alternatives like drug and alcohol treatment programs, which reduce recidivism rates by targeting the root causes of many crimes. Successful programs end up saving taxpayers in incarceration costs and add wage earners back to our economy. “Other funding will support treatment for domestic violence and sexual abuse victims who are struggling with substance use disorders to help them overcome addiction.” Matzie said the grants include the following: Beaver County $282,501 to Beaver County Commissioners in grant-in-aid funding to improve probation services. $149,693 to the Women’s Center of Beaver County to provide trauma-informed Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 2 – Grant funding of $783,535 from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will support projects to preserve and rehabilitate historic sites in Beaver and Allegheny counties, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, one of the PHMC commissioners who voted today to approve the grants, said they are part of a package of $2.3 million awarded under the Keystone Historic Preservation grant program to more than 50 projects statewide through a competitive selection process. “Historic sites teach us about our roots in ways textbooks never can, by allowing us to revisit places and retrace paths built by our ancestors,” Matzie said. “Here in Beaver County, part of the funding will lay the groundwork to rehabilitate the Old Economy Ambridge Bicentennial House – one of the first six houses built by the Harmony Society in 1824. Statewide, the grants are going to ensure similar unique landmarks are preserved for future generations.” Matzie said the grants to Beaver and Allegheny counties include the following: Beaver County Ambridge Historic District Economic Development Corp. - $17,950 New Brighton Historical Society - for Preservation Plan at the Irish-Townsend House - $25,000 Allegheny County Carnegie Library of Homestead - $100,000 City of Pittsburgh - $17,500 Frick Art Read more
AMBRIDGE, May 25 – A $236,480 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will fund a project to clear blight and improve the West End Franklin Avenue Gateway, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grant to the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation will fund demolition and construction work that will reshape the area by creating new green areas and residential spaces. “Securing this funding will allow the city to purchase and demolish seven to eight properties in the West End Franklin Avenue Gateway, with the land being offered to adjoining property owners for use as side yards or to prospective builders, in accordance with residential property resale guidelines,” Matzie said. “The grant will also fund rehabilitation of the sidewalk along the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Franklin Avenue, including replacement of access ramps and adjacent lawn restoration. “The project is going to give this section of the city a new face while generating jobs, increasing property values, and creating new living spaces that attract new residents. It’s also going to allow the city to build on other recent progress it has made on the path to renewal.” Matzie said the total project cost is $312,564, with the Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation providing $24,044 of matching funds. In December, Matzie secured a $1 Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 30 – Grants totaling $25,000 will fund Beaver County projects designed to ensure more residents have a say in community planning, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said Ambridge and Rochester are each receiving a $12,500 grant to fund Heart and Soul projects in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and the Orton Family Foundation. “To be successful, community planning and development must be a collaborative effort that reflects the needs, desires and aspirations of all residents,” Matzie said. “Heart and Soul projects help make that happen by bringing residents to the table to share stories and experiences, ensuring that future development is based on a shared vision for the community. “Today’s funding is exciting because it’s going to help get more Ambridge and Rochester residents involved in that process.” Matzie said funding for the grants comes from the Municipal Assistance Program, which is administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development. Program funding assists local governments with planning and management of services, resources and development. More about the program is available here. Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 21 – Grant funding of $2.04 million will allow Aliquippa to eliminate a potential lead risk to the city’s drinking water, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will enable the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa to replace 184 lead water service lines with copper lines, eliminating the threat of corroded lines leaching lead into the water supply. “People should not have to worry over the safety of their tap water,” Matzie said. “After testing last year showed elevated lead levels in a small number of samples, there was reason for concern. Securing this funding is going to eliminate that risk.” Read more
Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie led the House Chamber in the daily opening prayer, and a reflection focusing on being your best self. Read more
AMBRIDGE, April 21 -- Grant funding of $750,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help bring safer, smoother travel for Aliquippa residents and new recreational options for Ambridge families, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding includes a $500,000 grant under the CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund for major upgrades to Fifth Avenue in Aliquippa. “Securing this funding will fix the road and intersection along Fifth Avenue between Jefferson Street and Sheffield Avenue,” Matzie said. “There will be new sidewalks and ADA-accessible curb ramps, and other upgrades will improve stormwater management. “Aliquippa was recently recognized with a Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence. Working in partnership with the city’s leaders – specifically Mayor Dwan Walker and Councilman Donald Walker – was crucial in securing this funding.” The total project cost is estimated at $1.5 million, and the city is requesting a waiver of the local matching requirement. Matzie said a second grant of $250,000 to the Borough of Ambridge under CFA’s Greenway, Trails and Recreation program will provide the remaining funding for a unique new playground. “The funding for Ambridge builds on last year’s money I secured from the Department of Conservation Read more
HARRISBURG, April 1 -- State Representative Rob Matzie, Democratic Chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, led yesterday’s House Democratic Policy Committee on bridging the digital divide. The hearing is the third in a series this week focused on net neutrality and bridging the gap to improve future outcomes for educators, students, health care access and Pennsylvania businesses. “This hearing was a great cap on the weeks’ discussions on how we can make sure Pennsylvania is digitally connected. The last year has shown us that reliable internet, computers and phone help keep us learning, working, entertained, managing health and in touch with family and friends. I thank Chairman Matzie for leading the discussion and look forward to a public-private partnership that helps close the divide,” said Ryan Bizzarro, chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee. “Quick, reliable Internet access isn’t a luxury in today’s world – it’s a necessity,” said Matzie. “Those without it face major disadvantages when it comes to competing for jobs, accessing health and education services and connecting to state programs. I’m hosting this hearing because we need to develop solutions to bridge this digital divide now, before it threatens to disenfranchise more Pennsylvanians.” The committee heard testimony from Brian Barno, Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania; Joseph Glinka, government Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 30 – Schools in the 16 th Legislative District are expected to receive $25.4 million in federal funding to ensure students and staff enjoy a safe and productive return to the classroom, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said schools will be able to use the funding for a broad range of needs, from basic education, transportation and food services to program-based student supports. “Learning is a dynamic process, and a successful return to the classroom will involve more than simply replenishing supplies and resuming regular programs,” Matzie said. “Educators will need to assess student progress and address gaps in learning. Securing this funding will give schools the resources needed to ensure that all students – despite pandemic-related setbacks – are ready to move forward and thrive.” Matzie said the following allocations are expected: Aliquippa School District – $8.1 million. Ambridge Area School District – $4.6 million. Baden Academy Charter School – $1.8 million. Central Valley School District – $2.4 million. Freedom Area School District – $2.2 million. Hopewell Area School District – $2.1 million. Quaker Valley School District – $1.4 Read more
HARRISBURG, March 15 – Financial assistance is now available to help Allegheny County residents struggling to pay rent or utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a program that is partially funded by legislation members of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation helped to pass. The Allegheny County Emergency Rental Assistance program has a total of $79.9 million to distribute to eligible county residents. Of that funding, $43 million came from Act 1 of 2021, which Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law last month. Eligibility requirements for the program include: having at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income or suffered financially due to COVID-19. being at risk of experiencing homelessness. having a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County. ACDD Chairman state Rep. Austin Davis, as well as state Reps. Jessica Benham, Dan Deasy, Tony DeLuca, Dan Frankel, Ed Gainey, Sara Innamorato, Emily Kinkead, Anita Kulik, Summer Lee, Brandon Markosek, Robert Matzie, Dan Miller, Nick Pisciottano and Jake Wheatley, issued the following statement: “People living in Allegheny County have been struggling for over a year during this pandemic. This program has been a long time coming and helps provide direct relief to those who’ve been scrambling to pay their rent and bills during this Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 10 – As more community organizations begin plans to reopen, a $12,000 state grant to Beth Samuel Jewish Center in Ambridge will help Beaver County’s oldest operating synagogue meet security needs, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the grant, awarded under the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program to protect potential hate-crime targets, will ensure that when the congregation – which suspended activities during the pandemic – decides to welcome back families, it will be able to provide the safest possible environment. "We need to ensure that the folks returning are safe from security risks," Matzie said. “The funding will help ensure those protections are in place.” In addition to the funding to Beth Samuel, Matzie said 29 organizations in Allegheny County were awarded grants totaling approximately $1.53 million. He said organizations may use the funding for a broad range of resources, including safety and security planning and training, threat assessments, security upgrades, and the purchase of metal detectors, electronic locksets, surveillance equipment and other technology. The grants are part of a larger package of more than $5 million awarded under the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program , which provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving people or groups the FBI has identified as Read more
AMBRIDGE, March 3 – A state grant of nearly $5,000 will help preserve and promote the area’s rich oral history by funding a project to transcribe and digitize documents from the Baden Archives and the Allegheny-Kiski Valley Historical Society, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden is exciting because it will allow the archived information to be placed on the Historic Pittsburgh website for easier access by the public and researchers. “Some of the richest, most detailed accounts of our history begin life as stories and anecdotes,” said Matzie, who is a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. “Those accounts can evaporate over time if they are not transcribed and preserved. Securing funding for this project will help safeguard unique, irreplaceable documents and convert them to a modern format that is more accessible for curious residents, historians, students and future generations.” Matzie said the grant is part of a package of nearly $200,000 in Historical and Archival Records Care Grants the commission awarded to 31 projects throughout the state for the care and preservation of archival records. More information about HARC grants is available here. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Jan. 15 – Schools in the 16 th Legislative District will be able to apply for approximately $12.62 million in federal CARES Act funding to ensure students have the resources they need to continue learning during the pandemic, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding to eight school districts in the district will help ensure schools have the resources they need to continue offering quality education. “The pandemic’s economic impact has strained resources all around, and school districts are no exception,” Matzie said. “The districts have faced a ton of challenges, from providing safe on-site instruction to ensuring an effective remote curriculum, and I want to commend school officials and our dedicated teachers, aides and other school staff. This funding is going to speed the resources to our districts they need to ensure our students are safe and do not fall behind.” Matzie said the following funding is allocated: Aliquippa School District – $4,032,121. Ambridge Area School District – $2,297,093. Baden Academy Charter School – $875,776. Central Valley School District – $1,173,585. Freedom Area School District – $1,096,991 Hopewell Area School District – Read more
HARRISBURG, Jan. 5 – State Rep. Rob Matzie was sworn in today at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, taking the oath of office to begin his seventh term representing the people of the 16 th Legislative District. As he renewed his commitment to the district, Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the health of residents and the local economy are top priorities. “My top priority in the months ahead will be continuing to address the COVID pandemic and preparing for the recovery, both on the health front and the economic front. “As always, I will continue to support strong education funding at all levels, as well as job training and economic development opportunities for our communities. “Finally, I am proud to have been reappointed Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. My focus will be on expanding broadband access and to fully – and safely – develop our state’s natural energy resources.” Matzie said his office – which is operating remotely during the pandemic – can help with a wide variety of state services, including prescription drug assistance, children’s insurance, unemployment compensation, driver and vehicle services, home heating and property tax/rent rebate applications, veterans’ issues and more. Residents should call the office at 724-266-7774 for assistance More information is available by Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 23 – Beaver County development projects will benefit from more than $1.5 million in funding thanks to state grants under state Redevelopment and Capital Assistance Program funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. “The funding to Aliquippa will allow us to transform a dead brownfield area into a thriving manufacturing area, which will provide job opportunities and economic revitalization for the entire area. The grant to Monaca will allow for construction of a 27,000-square-foot building to house police, fire and administrative operations, which will allow the borough to operate with greater efficiency and greater savings to taxpayers.” Matzie said the grants include the following: $1 million for redevelopment of a 40-acre brownfield and construction of a 250,000-square-foot high-tech manufacturing building located along the Ohio River in Aliquippa. $500,000 to build the new 27,000-square-foot, two-story Monaca Civic Center on Pacific Avenue in the borough to house police, fire and administrative departments. In addition to the Aliquippa and Monaca projects, Matzie said development projects in Midland Borough will receive $2.5 million in combined funding, and another development project in Center Township will receive $2 million in funding. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 23 – Beaver County residents will have access to free COVID-19 testing at a drive through-clinic in Monaca beginning Dec. 27, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced. Matzie said the testing will be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Sunday, Dec. 27 through Thursday, Dec. 31 at the Community College of Beaver County, 1 Campus Drive, Monaca. Matzie said mid-nasal passage swab PCR tests are free and will be performed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Patients must be 3 or older and are not required to show symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. No appointment is necessary. Patients are encouraged to bring a photo-ID or insurance card. Registration will also be completed on-site. The turnaround time for testing results is two to seven days after testing. More information on the testing is available here. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 9 – Grants totaling nearly $4.53 million will bolster programs to assist law enforcement, deter crime, protect domestic crime victims and offer supports and services for women and children victims of abuse, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding comes from grants administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, acting on recommendations by various advisory committees. “Funding from PCCD goes toward programs that make our communities safer by improving crime detection and prevention and enhancing services and support for victims. They help our law enforcement and social service workers do their jobs better and help crime victims recover and thrive. Essentially, they are investments in peace and safety for our region.” Matzie said grants approved by these committees will fund the following services: County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee – improve probation services Allegheny County Improvement of Adult Probation Services – $1.33 million. Beaver County Improvement of Adult Probation Services – $282,501. Criminal Justice Advisory Committee – purchase body-worn law enforcement cameras Borough of Ambridge Law Enforcement and Corrections – $23,209. Beaver County Commissioners BWC Program Expansion – $2,892 . Criminal Justice Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 8 – More area residents and business owners will have the benefit of high-speed broadband access thanks to nearly $2 million in funding from the Federal Communications Commission awarded today to five area broadband companies, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie said the funding is welcome after years of work to bring faster connections to area neighborhoods. “As Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, expanding access for residents and businesses has been a top priority,” Matzie said. “I’m glad to see the federal government make this much-needed investment to help remove the digital divide that unfortunately exits based on Zip code. “So many day-to-day tasks and interactions depend on reliable, quick internet access, and the need is even greater now, as more people are working, shopping and socializing from home. Internet access has become similar to other essential services, such as water, electric and gas utility – with a level of expectation by the consumer that there is access and speed.” Matzie said the funding, which will provide access to 1,731 homes and businesses in the district, includes the following: $716,028 to Windstream Services LLC, to 259 Beaver County customers and another $180,474 for 114 Allegheny County customers. $593,551 to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. for 575 Beaver County customers and an additional Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 7 – Tax credits totaling $400,000 will help rehabilitate blighted areas of Beaver County, revitalize parts of the business district and provide residents with food, rent and job training assistance, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the tax credits awarded to Aliquippa Economic Development Corp., which were approved under the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, will create investments that transform the landscape while improving residents’ lives. “I am pleased that the funding for this crucial community project continues the vision of our team of stakeholders led by Mayor Dwan Walker, council members Walker, Mottes, Piroli and Milliner, and community leaders,” Matzie said. “The public-private partnership with the commonwealth and BNY Mellon has paid big dividends in a variety of ways thus far, and the continuation of cleaning up blighted properties and rebuilding crucial infrastructure is the next step in improving the quality of life for city residents.” Matzie said that among other things, the tax credits will fund the following: Acquire 7 blighted houses in the West End Franklin Avenue Corridor and acquire and rehab 1 house in this neighborhood. Provide match funding for the house acquisition/rehabilitation projects, replace 800 feet of sidewalk and ADA ramps, and install signage and landscaping at the Gateway Read more
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1240 Merchant St.First FloorAmbridge, PA 15003-2279
P*: (724) 266-7774P: (412) 565-3569
F*: (724) 266-7634
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Send all district correspondence here.
3589 Brodhead RoadSuite 5Monaca, PA 15061-3138
P*: (724) 987-4341
Franklin Center of Beaver County Inc. 524 Franklin Ave. Aliquippa, PA 15001
P*: (724) 375-3052
Hours of Operation - Thursdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
202 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202016 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2016
P*: (717) 787-4444