Thursday, March 16, 2023

State Grants Totaling $4.4 Million Awarded to 12 Schuylkill County Economic Development and Transportation Projects


State grants totaling over $4.4 million were awarded to twelve economic development and transportation projects in Schuylkill County, according to Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123), Rep. Joanne Stehr (R-107), Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124), Rep. Dane Watro (R-116), and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).
“Sen. Argall was happy to advocate and work together with me to secure approval of the grant applications for these projects,” said Stehr. “These grants play a key role in helping to provide the necessary resources to maintain functional systems and services for our communities and their residents. I am ecstatic we have received this important and crucial funding.

“I am proud to continuously work hard alongside Sen. Argall to secure funding for projects that will revitalize and prosper our communities,” said Twardzik. “As a Schuylkill County native, it brings me great joy to see important funding granted to projects in our beloved areas that we call home and that better serve our people.”

“I am grateful funding has been granted for the replacement of the bridge on Old Country Lane in East Brunswick Township,” said Barton. “It is the only transportation link to multiple homes in the area. Residents there currently experience hardships, as many fuel trucks are unable to cross the bridge. It’s needless to say – I’m extremely happy to serve this community. Thank you to Sen. Argall for working with me to invest in the safety of our transportation infrastructure.”

“These grants are crucial for the continued economic growth of our region,” said Watro. “We must continue to invest in as infrastructure, economic development and public safety to ensure a high quality of life for our neighbors in our communities.”

“These projects will improve the quality of life for people across Schuylkill County,” said Argall. “From fixing our roads and bridges, to supporting Shenandoah’s longstanding efforts to breathe new life into its downtown, to improving the operations of local governments, these grants will be very important for so many residents of the 29th district.”

The following projects were awarded grants through the Multimodal Transportation Fund:

  • Ashland Borough will receive $221,113 to construct extended curbs for the intersection of Centre and Ninth Street
  • Barry Township will receive $400,000 to replace the bridge on Hill Road over Deep Creek.
  • East Brunswick Township will receive $750,000 to replace the bridge on Old Country Lane.
  • I-81 Logistics, LLC will receive $250,000 to make road improvements on State Route 61 in West Mahanoy Township.
  • The Schuylkill County Airport will receive $739,480 for a taxiway extension.
The following projects were awarded grants through the Local Share Account Statewide Program:

  • Cressona Borough will receive $48,906 to rehabilitate a pedestrian footbridge and $250,000 for sanitary sewer repairs.
  • Girardville Borough will receive $47,980 for upgrades to the heating system in their municipal building.
  • Hegins Township will receive $300,000 to construct a new township administration building.
  • Minersville Borough will receive $150,000 for further improvements to Dustin’s Adventureland, the first all-inclusive playground in Schuylkill County.
  • Shenandoah Borough will receive $1,000,000 to assist with the construction of the North Schuylkill Center for Education, Business, and the Arts.
  • St. Clair Borough will receive $301,609 for a new truck.