45th Senate District to Receive $600,000 for Economic Development Projects

45th Senate District to Receive $600,000 for Economic Development Projects

McKeesport, January 26, 2022 – State Sen. Jim Brewster announced today that the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC) has awarded $600,000 in Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) grants for projects in his senatorial district.

“I was happy to support and advocate for these projects,” Brewster said. “I have been lobbying the Governor and the General Assembly as a member for many years for these types of grants to help our communities.”

GEDTF grants were awarded to the following projects in Senator Brewster’s District:

  • North Braddock Borough received $100,000 for bridge rehabilitation on Hawkins Avenue
  • Plum Borough received $100,000 for Center Beach flood improvement
  • Wilmerding Borough received $75,000 for the Wilmerding Community Center rehabilitation
  • Port Vue Borough received $75,000 for blight remediation
  • Liberty Borough received $75,000 for storm inlet replacement
  • Elizabeth Borough received $75,000 for the Historic Elizabeth Building
  • Elizabeth Township received $50,000 for the Greenock Log House
  • Wall Borough received $50,000 for a retaining wall on Marie Street

“These projects will go a long way in our ongoing efforts to revitalize these communities,” Brewster added. “I’d like to say congratulations to the awardees and thank you to the RAAC for investing in this region.”

GEDTF grants allow awardees to carry out important economic development projects. Eligible applicants include municipalities, authorities, councils of government, non-profit organizations, trusts, and for-profit businesses.

Senator Brewster Announces $6.25 Million in Grants for His District

Senator Brewster Announces $6.25 Million in Grants for His District

McKeesport – December 23, 2020 – Senator Jim Brewster today announced more than $6 million in state grants that will go to projects in the 45th senatorial district.

“I was happy to advocate for these important projects, and I am excited to see them come to fruition thanks to this investment from the state,” said Senator Brewster. “Each of the projects funded today will bolster our region’s economy.”

The funding comes from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.

One of the projects funded will be the expansion of PurePenn in McKeesport. The medical marijuana manufacturer will receive $2,000,000 to conduct an interior build-out which will include mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and other interior building components.

“This investment in McKeesport has been a job creator and a real contributor to the regional economy”, said Brewster. “I am looking forward to what comes for the area from this substantial funding.”

Also, UPMC St. Margaret’s Family Health Center in New Kensington will receive $1,250,000 for a new clinical space to accommodate more patients, provide room for team and group meetings, and offer swing spaces for outside social service agencies.

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will receive $1,000,000 to improve overall efficiency and support distribution of more fresh produce.

In addition to these investments, the Braddock Carnegie Library Association is slated to receive $1,000,000 to implement the first comprehensive building renovation and preservation plan in the 132-year history of the Braddock Carnegie Library.

And finally, the Former Westinghouse HQ/Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center in Monroeville will receive $1,000,000 as it moves forward with efforts to provide university, government and industrial researchers with access to systems for high-performance computing, communications, and data storage.

Brewster: Conservation Partnership Grants Approved for Area Projects

Brewster: Conservation Partnership Grants Approved for Area Projects

Harrisburg – Nov. 16, 2018 – Several state grants were approved to fund conservation partnership projects in Monroeville, Brentwood and Glassport in addition to the Great Allegheny Passage in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today. 

“These grants will not only open up areas for recreation, but they will enhance a community’s quality of life,” Brewster said.  “Citizens from the area will be able to enjoy greater access to open space, have improved recreational areas, site improvements, facilities and public walkways.”

The grants include the following:

  • Allegheny Land Trust: $20,000 is earmarked toward the acquisition of 30 acres in Monroeville for open space and recreation;
  • Brentwood Borough: $697,600 to revitalize the Brentwood Community Park including the reconstruction of the swimming pool, liner, piping, fencing, ADA access, landscaping and other site improvements;
  • Glassport Borough: $40,000 to develop the 9th Street Park including walkways, pavilions, fencing, ADA access and other site improvements;
  • Great Allegheny Passage in Elizabeth Township and Lincoln Borough: $170,500 to Regional Trail Corporation to rehabilitate 9.8 miles of trail from Buena Vista to Durabond bypass.  The project includes installation of gates, ADA access and other improvements.   

Brewster said the grants were approved through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnership Program.  Partnership grants are funded through a mix of state and federal sources. 

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