Southwest Allegheny News

Rep. Andrew Kuzma has announced the allocation of over $2.7 million in grants for projects within Pennsylvania's 39th Legislative District. The funding, sourced from Local Share Account (LSA) grants and a Public School Facility Improvement Grant, is distributed through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).

Act 71 of 2004 allows LSA gaming revenues to support public interest projects across Pennsylvania. The Public School Facility Improvement Grant aids public school districts and technical schools with facility improvements.

Kuzma highlighted the significance of these projects for the Mon Valley area, particularly emphasizing assistance to Elizabeth Forward School District following a fire in 2023. "All of these projects are key to the vitality of the Mon Valley, but I am especially pleased to assist the Elizabeth Forward School District rebuild its high school after a devastating 2023 fire," he stated.

The Elizabeth Forward School District will receive $1.6 million to replace HVAC systems and boilers damaged by the fire.

Additional LSA funding includes:

- Elizabeth Township: $750,000 for municipal complex updates.

- Elizabeth Township: $139,000 for Buena Vista Fire Hall renovations.

- West Elizabeth Borough: $220,000 for demolishing blighted homes.

Senators Camera Bartolotta, Jim Brewster, and Devlin Robinson secured further LSA funding:

- Elizabeth Borough: $100,000 for sidewalk reconstruction.

- Elizabeth Township: $100,000 for municipal garage upgrades.

- Jefferson Hills Borough: $119,400 for park maintenance and safety upgrades.

- Union Township: $133,769 to replace Snee Bridge over Peters Creek.

The district covers several townships and boroughs in Allegheny County and Washington County.