Mercer, Lawrence Counties Receive More Than $2.4M for Projects
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Mercer and Lawrence counties were awarded more than $2.4 million in grants by the commonwealth Thursday to support local projects.
State Sen. Michele Brooks of Greenville, R-50th, and state Reps. Marla Brown of New Castle, R-9th, and Parke Wentling of Hempfield Township, R-7th, announced the grants in a trio of news releases. The grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority under its Local Share Account Program.
Beneficiaries include the city of Sharon, which received $345,000 for improvements to the downtown district, and the city of Hermitage, which received $425,000 to construct a new animal shelter on donated land that will include outdoor space for a dog park and parking, as well as a trail around the facility that will be open to the public.
The grants will promote business and tourism growth for Sharon and all of Mercer County, provide additional recreational opportunities and create greater access for pet adoption, as well spay and neuter programs, Brooks said.
“It’s great to see investments coming back to the district that will make it an even better place to live and work,” she said.
“I am grateful to work alongside Sen. Brooks to ensure that community needs in the 7th District are addressed,” Wentling said. “This funding creates a pathway for revitalizing Sharon to draw in visitors and invest in our businesses. This also provides a greater opportunity for families to adopt a pet.”
Three Lawrence County communities received $225,000 in three state grants to purchase equipment and provide more recreational opportunities, according to the release. New Castle received $100,000 to assist the construction of a splash pad and ice rink at East Washington Street and Apple Way in the center of the downtown area. Bessemer Borough received $75,000 to purchase a new utility truck. Shenango Township received $50,000 to purchase a leaf collector.
“These projects will be a great enhancement to our residents,” Brown said. “It is imperative that we invest in communities that make up the 9th District because it will attract business growth and provide jobs. I support every effort possible to rejuvenate our area so it can be a place where people want to live, work, play and be educated.”
Other Mercer County communities awarded grants include:
- Grove City Borough: $150,000 to help construct a new water treatment plant in Memorial Park;
- Jackson Township: $234,007 to purchase a public works dump truck, which will enable the township to independently meet ongoing operational and public safety needs, including road maintenance and snow removal;
- Mercer Borough: $81,174 to purchase a skid loader to efficiently conduct street and sewer projects, and $120,000 for the construction of a storm sewer collection project along Market Street;
- Sandy Lake Borough: $200,000 to help replace the borough’s mainline and service lines, as well as all non-operable fire hydrants and gate valves;
- Springfield Township: $150,000 to purchase a truck, tractor and accessories to mow and plow;
- South Pymatuning Township: $500,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund toward replacing the Stateline Road/Orangeville Road bridge over Tower Works Run.
The grants will greatly reduce the cost of the designated projects and equipment purchases for the communities, according to Brooks.
“These infrastructure investments can now be completed with a reduced financial impact on our boroughs and townships, as well as their residents,” she said. “This is especially important given the challenges families face with ever-rising costs to put food on the table and gas in their vehicles.”
Pictured at top: The city of Sharon was awarded $345,000 for improvements to the downtown district.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
