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Matzie: Nearly $280,000 awarded to support region’s museums, county historical societies

(Dec 08, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 8 – The Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation is receiving $4,000 in state funding, and history centers and museums in Allegheny County were awarded more than $274,000, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, who serves on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, voted today to approve the grants, which consist of nearly $2 million in funding to 154 museums and county historical societies statewide under the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program and additional funding of $175,000 to 34 organizations statewide under the Historical and Archival Records Care Grant Program. “I was excited to join the board in approving this funding for the organizations and museums that play such a vital role in keeping our history alive,” Matzie said. “Here at home, new funding to the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation will support staff in their efforts to collect and preserve area landmarks, documents and other artifacts and showcase them in a way that engages the public, stimulates young minds, and keeps the story of our past alive for future generations.” Matzie said regional funding under the Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program includes: Beaver County Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation - $4,000 Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $470,000 awarded to help stop domestic violence, child abuse; serve and support victims in Beaver County

(Dec 08, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Dec. 8 – Grant funding of $469,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will strengthen Beaver County programs to investigate and prosecute domestic violence and child abuse and expand supports and services for victims, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the Women’s Center of Beaver County will receive $375,000 for the STOP Violence Against Women Advocacy Project, while the Beaver County satellite office of A Child’s Place will receive $47,000 directly and benefit from another $47,000 awarded to the Allegheny County office to fund a community/police liaison. “Securing this funding will allow the Women’s Center to strengthen investigation and prosecution of violence against women and expand services and supports – including medical care, shelter, advocacy, safety planning and other resources – to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence,” Matzie said. “The funding to A Child’s Place will provide resources to beef up investigation and prosecution of child abuse and help educate the community on how to recognize and prevent abuse. In addition, funding to the affiliated Child’s Place office in Allegheny County will provide the Beaver County office with a community/police liaison to maintain relations and exchange information between child advocacy staff and law enforcement.” Mazie said that in addition to Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $330,000 secured for Beaver County road, playground improvements

(Nov 19, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Nov. 19 – Two grants totaling more than $326,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will fund road and playground improvement projects for Hopewell and Harmony townships, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said a $226,453 grant to Hopewell awarded under the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program will allow the township to construct a new box culvert and bridge along Laird Drive, which leads directly into Hopewell Community Park. “The work funded by this grant – including nearly 250 square yards of road paving and installation of 200 feet of guardrail – will reduce roadway flooding and provide alternative routes for pedestrians, cyclists and children traveling to three Hopewell schools,” Matzie said. He said the total project cost is $266,424 and that the township is requesting a waiver of the match requirement but will fund nearly $40,000, or 15% of the project. Matzie said that a $100,000 grant to Harmony Township, awarded under the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, will allow the township to continue improving the playground at Beaver Road Park. “Securing this funding will allow Harmony Township to install a new play surface; replace outdated play equipment with new, more accessible equipment; and add features that stimulate kids’ senses. Those improvements will make the park safer and more Read more

 

Matzie: $1.7 million in state investments announced for region

(Nov 09, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

Dollars will help repair and improve sidewalks and fight hunger Read more

 

Matzie Shares Poem and Opening Prayer in House Chamber

(Oct 27, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie led the House Chamber in the opening prayer. Matzie read from the poem " A Brave and Startling Truth" by Maya Angelou and reflected on being kind and humble. Read more

 

Matzie: More than $3 million secured to remove and replace lead service lines in Aliquippa’s water system

(Oct 20, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Oct. 20 – State funding of more than $3.1 million will allow the city of Aliquippa to continue eliminating a potential lead risk in the city’s drinking water, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the new funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will finance the second phase of a project to remove and replace lead service lines – work made necessary after testing revealed concerning lead levels in some residents’ drinking water. “After water sampling in 2020 showed lead in residents’ drinking water, replacing the system’s lead service lines with copper lines became an immediate priority,” Matzie said. “In spring, we secured initial funding to replace 184 lines. That was a step in the right direction, but more work remains to eliminate the threat to all residents. “Securing this additional $3 million will allow the water authority to replace 275 lead service lines, including the lines on the customers’ side. People need to be able to put concerns over the safety of their drinking water behind them, and this funding brings us one step closer to that.” Matzie said the funding to the Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa includes a combination of $1.9 million in grant funding and a $1.2 million low-interest loan and that without it, residents would have faced an estimated 3% Read more

 

Matzie: $2.4 million awarded to fund Beaver County affordable rental housing

(Oct 14, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Oct. 14 – Beaver County residents will have greater access to affordable housing, thanks to more than $2.4 million in federal funding awarded today, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding to Hudson Companies for the Wayne Court Development in Ambridge includes approximately $1.25 million awarded under the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and nearly $1.19 million from the National Housing Trust Fund. “For low-income families, housing expenses can eat up a huge chunk of the budget, and that problem has been growing as Pennsylvania families are facing rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing,” Matzie said. “The low-income tax credits awarded today will help offset this trend by bringing more low-cost housing options into the mix.” The federal tax credits are administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and were approved by the agency’s board. The funding is part of a package of $43.6 million awarded statewide for the construction of 1,974 affordable multifamily rental units. More information on the awards is available here . Read more

 

Matzie pleased by DEP denial of PennEnergy request to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek

(Oct 13, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Oct. 13 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement regarding the state Department of Environmental Protection’s denial of PennEnergy’s request to withdraw 3 million gallons of water daily from Big Sewickley Creek: “I am pleased by the denial. DEP noted no less than seven areas of concern and deficiencies in the application by PennEnergy Resources to withdraw water from the Big Sewickley Creek, which flows through a portion of my legislative district. “While the clock on the appeal process begins, I am hopeful that PennEnergy finds a different source of water rather than go against the wishes of the communities and many individuals who care deeply about any possible damage to this valuable water source. In most cases, I believe we can have energy extraction and maintain a clean, healthy environment. I do not believe this is one of those cases. “Regardless of any decision by a regulator or the courts, abandoning the plan to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek should be the decision by PennEnergy Resources -- not because it’s the most sound business decision, but because it’s the right thing to do.” In a July letter to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Matzie called on the department to deny PennEnergy’s request, citing concerns that withdrawing high volumes of water from the creek would escalate existing drought and Read more

 

Matzie announces $1.24 million loan to fund purchase of multi-tenant commercial building in Hopewell Township

(Oct 06, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Oct. 6 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced today that a $1.24 million low-interest loan will fund the purchase of a multi-tenant commercial building in Hopewell Township. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the loan to Pauana Holdings LLC, through the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development, is an investment that will spur economic growth for the region. “The funding to Pauana Holdings will allow it to purchase a multi-tenant, 40,000-square-foot building located in Hopewell Township that will offer a combination of office and industrial space,” Matzie said. “That spells great news for the local economy because it will generate new business activity and create at least 25 new, full-time jobs over the next several years. Matzie said the 15-year loan has a fixed 2.5% interest rate. The total project cost is $3.2 million. The loan was approved by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. More information about the project is available here , and more about PIDA is available here . Read more

 

Matzie: $1.3 million awarded to bolster supports for residents in recovery

(Oct 05, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Oct. 5 – Residents in Beaver and Allegheny counties recovering from substance use disorder will benefit from new supports, thanks to nearly $1.3 million in grant funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie said the funding will help several area organizations provide employment and pregnancy-related support services to Beaver and Allegheny County residents in recovery. “People recovering from substance use disorder work hard to get through treatment and return to productive lives, but their success depends on access to ongoing support,” Matzie said. “This funding will provide that support by helping residents in recovery get jobs and ensuring pregnant and postpartum women have the services they need for a healthy return to the community.” Matzie said the following organizations are receiving funding to serve residents in Beaver, Allegheny, and several other counties: Life’s Work of Western PA (employment support services) - $387,500. Allegheny Health Network (pregnancy/postpartum support services) – $583,153. Center for Community Resources Inc. (pregnancy/postpartum support services) – $296,092. In addition, Matzie said two organizations serving Allegheny County residents will receive $1.1 million. They include $700,000 to Sage’s Army, which provides community recovery and support Read more

 

Matzie: $140,000 awarded to help Ambridge Area School District bridge digital divide

(Oct 01, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Oct. 1 – More than $140,000 in grant funding will help close connectivity gaps for students in the Ambridge Area School District by ensuring all students have access to internet and technology resources, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund will help schools and libraries ensure students have equal access to tech tools that are so important for off-campus learning. “Digital access is key to helping reinforce what kids learn in the classroom, but for some, access to those tools is not a given,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help us close the digital divide and ensure all kids have the access they need to achieve, regardless of household income.” Matzie said the program will help schools and libraries cover costs associated with digital devices such as laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, educators and library patrons who currently lack sufficient access to broadband and connected devices. The funding is part of a package of $20 million in funding to school districts statewide under the Emergency Connectivity Fund, a temporary fund created through the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Federal Communications Commission. More about the awards is Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 awarded to educate, protect Beaver County kids from opioid risks

(Sep 08, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Sept. 8 – More than $390,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will keep Beaver County students learning about the risks of opioids and help families develop the skills to keep kids safe, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding includes $370,805 to Community Health Challenge of Southwestern Pennsylvania to continue the Beaver County Opioid Prevention Project – one of five pilot programs statewide that team counties with school districts, local nonprofits and the community. “The Beaver County programs are teaching students in the Aliquippa, New Brighton and Rochester Area school districts how to recognize and avoid the dangers of opioid abuse,” Matzie said. “The programs are also helping families develop skills to protect kids from the risks of substance abuse and other factors that can lead them into trouble. “The programs have already helped many students and families in our district over the past two years. Securing this funding will allow them to continue for another year.” Matzie said that a second grant of $22,313 to The Prevention Network will fund the Project Towards No Drug Abuse, which supports at-risk youth. Both grants were recommended by the PCCD’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee and come from federal State Opioid Response funds. Read more

 

Matzie, Marshall and Quinn lead public hearing on solar energy in Pennsylvania

(Aug 26, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, Aug. 26 – As lawmakers continue searching for solutions on best energy practices, House Consumer Affairs Committee Democratic Chairman state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Allegheny/Beaver, majority chairman state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-Beaver/Butler, and state Rep. Chris Quinn, R-Delaware, led a public hearing today on solar energy and its impacts in Pennsylvania from an economic, business and community perspective. “I’m on record in favor of an all-in energy portfolio for Pennsylvania,” Matzie said. “That includes renewables like solar. This is a great opportunity for members to get information on where we are and what is needed to get to that diverse and, in my judgment, necessary energy mix.” Held at the Penn State Brandywine Campus, here are the testifiers who participated today and provided valuable input: Scott Elias, Solar Energy Industries Association. Mark Haas, PECO Energy Co. Kathleen Robertson, Sol Systems. Katie Rever, IGS Energy. Joel Harrington, Enel North America. Brent Alderfer, Community Energy. Leslie Elder, Coalition for Community Solar Access. Tim Mills, program manager, Renewable Energy Division, ARM Group (Renewable Works for PA). “With solar energy rising in popularity for customers, it is critical to hear how it could benefit Read more

 

Matzie: More than $77,000 awarded to boost fresh fruits and vegetables for grade-schoolers

(Aug 04, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Aug. 4 – More Beaver County elementary school students will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, thanks to $77,155 in grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding awarded under the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program includes $36,140 to the Aliquippa School District, $20,800 to the Ambridge Area School District, and $20,215 to the Rochester Area School District. “Fresh, nutritious food helps kids learn,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to allow school cafeterias to offer fresh produce to more grade-schoolers in our schools.” Matzie said the grants are part of a package of more than $7 million awarded to 288 elementary schools statewide under the FFVP. Funding priority was given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. More information about the grants is available here , and a full list of the schools receiving funding is available here . Read more

 

Matzie: Aliquippa secures more than $140,000 for blight removal project

(Aug 02, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, Aug. 2 – A grant of $140,233 from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will allow the city of Aliquippa to clear The Bricks site in Plan 12 and prepare the site for future development. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grant, awarded under the Keystone Communities Program, will fund the first steps of blight removal, demolition and preliminary site work. “The funding awarded today will allow Aliquippa to clear the overgrown, debris-ridden Bricks site located along Temple and Oliver streets in Plan 12 and prepare the site for development,” Matzie said. “In addition to blight removal, the grant will fund demolition of several structures and excavation and grading work. “Those projects will lay the groundwork for eventual construction of single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes, meeting the growing demand for workforce housing and drawing new and welcome residential and commercial activity to the area.” The Keystone Communities Program assists Pennsylvania’s core communities in achieving revitalization. More information about the grants is available here. Read more

 

Matzie urges DEP to deny Penn Energy petition to source water from Big Sewickley Creek

(Jul 19, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, July 19 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, has written to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection urging it to deny Penn Energy’s request to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek. In a July 16 letter to DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell, Matzie expressed his opposition to the permit application, which would allow Penn Energy to withdraw 3 million gallons of water daily from the creek. Read more

 

Marshall, Matzie, Browne commend Gov. Wolf signing bill to expand 5G technology

(Jul 01, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, July 1 – Gov. Tom Wolf signed House Bill 1621 into law, announced prime sponsor Rep. Jim Marshall, R-Beaver/Butler, co-sponsor Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, and Sen. Patrick Browne, R-16 th District. This increases access to 5G technology by deploying small wireless facilities, which could be as small as a backpack and attached to an existing utility pole. “While I know we still have work to do, I am truly hopeful this legislation will improve connectivity across the Commonwealth,” said Marshall, Republican chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. “I greatly appreciate the hard work of Sens. Browne, Phillips-Hill, and Kane - along with their staff - to help Chairman Matzie and I create a law that we all can be proud of.” The Federal Communications Commission announced a $20.4 billion investment by establishing the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. In December 2020, the FCC reported $368 million would be awarded to bidders to provide technology to nearly 185,000 Pennsylvanians. The bidding for the next auction is expected to begin in 2022. “If the past year has shown us anything, it’s that access to fast, reliable broadband is a necessity in practically every aspect of life,” said Matzie, Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee. “The technology is out there, but we needed a seamless plan to harness it. Our Read more

 

Matzie announces nearly $200,000 in fire, EMS grants

(Jun 29, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

AMBRIDGE, June 29 – Fire and EMS companies in the 16 th Legislative District were awarded $197,903 in grant funding to address a wide range of needs, from equipment, building repairs and training to replenishing pandemic-related expenses, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said 15 fire and EMS companies are receiving grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner at a critical time. “The pandemic made working on the frontlines even more difficult than usual, as departments faced shortages while battling new risks and logistical problems,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding should ease a bit of the burden on our tireless first responders by ensuring they have the resources they need to stay safe.” Matzie said the following grants were awarded: Ambridge Borough Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,233. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,411. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $15,000. City of Aliquippa – Fire Company, $13,302. Conway Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $12,946. Economy Volunteer Ambulance Service – EMS, $8,855 Economy Volunteer Firemens Association – Fire Company, $14,193. Freedom Volunteer Fire Department -- Fire Company, $11,520. Harmony Township Read more

 

Matzie: New budget holds the line on taxes, makes important investments

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement after passage of the Pennsylvania state budget. “Budgets are never easy. Finding common ground is often difficult. This particular budget was no different. There are some areas that came up short, but enough positives that I voted in its favor. “First and foremost, this budget is on time with no tax increase of any kind. “Equally as important is a large investment in education. Basic education, special education and early education all will see significant increases in funding. In addition, there is a new program called Level Up that brings additional dollars to our lowest income schools, benefiting several schools in my district. Colleges and job training programs will also be fully funded. “Other key highlights include nearly $40 million for a new Water Assistance Program that will help folks struggling with keeping the water turned on and nearly $300 million for nursing, assisted living and personal care homes. “This budget is not perfect, but it holds the line on state taxes, makes important investments and moves us closer to recovering from the pandemic.” Read more

 

Matzie Leads House in Opening Prayer

(Jun 25, 2021) Rep. Robert Matzie

Pa. state Rep. Rob Matzie led the House Chamber in the daily opening prayer. Matzie reflected on those who suffered this past year during the pandemic and prayed about cooperation as this year's budget season comes to a close. Read more

 

Matzie: Nearly $280,000 awarded to support region’s museums, county historical societies
Dec 08, 2021

Matzie: Nearly $470,000 awarded to help stop domestic violence, child abuse; serve and support victims in Beaver County
Dec 08, 2021

Matzie: Nearly $330,000 secured for Beaver County road, playground improvements
Nov 19, 2021

Matzie: $1.7 million in state investments announced for region
Nov 09, 2021

Matzie Shares Poem and Opening Prayer in House Chamber
Oct 27, 2021

Matzie: More than $3 million secured to remove and replace lead service lines in Aliquippa’s water system
Oct 20, 2021

Matzie: $2.4 million awarded to fund Beaver County affordable rental housing
Oct 14, 2021

Matzie pleased by DEP denial of PennEnergy request to withdraw water from Big Sewickley Creek
Oct 13, 2021

Matzie announces $1.24 million loan to fund purchase of multi-tenant commercial building in Hopewell Township
Oct 06, 2021

Matzie: $1.3 million awarded to bolster supports for residents in recovery
Oct 05, 2021

Matzie: $140,000 awarded to help Ambridge Area School District bridge digital divide
Oct 01, 2021

Matzie: Nearly $400,000 awarded to educate, protect Beaver County kids from opioid risks
Sep 08, 2021

Matzie, Marshall and Quinn lead public hearing on solar energy in Pennsylvania
Aug 26, 2021

Matzie: More than $77,000 awarded to boost fresh fruits and vegetables for grade-schoolers
Aug 04, 2021

Matzie: Aliquippa secures more than $140,000 for blight removal project
Aug 02, 2021

Matzie urges DEP to deny Penn Energy petition to source water from Big Sewickley Creek
Jul 19, 2021

Marshall, Matzie, Browne commend Gov. Wolf signing bill to expand 5G technology
Jul 01, 2021

Matzie announces nearly $200,000 in fire, EMS grants
Jun 29, 2021

Matzie: New budget holds the line on taxes, makes important investments
Jun 25, 2021

Matzie Leads House in Opening Prayer
Jun 25, 2021