Sen. Brewster and Rep. Pisciottano Announce $286,000 in Community Grants for Dravosburg

Sen. Brewster and Rep. Pisciottano Announce $286,000 in Community Grants for Dravosburg

Allegheny County, September 21, 2022 – Today, Senator Jim Brewster and Representative Nick Pisciottano announced two grants for community projects in their legislative district.

The Borough of Dravosburg was awarded $120,000 to fund improvements to the U.S. Steel Ball Fields by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).

“I’m happy to see state funds coming back from Harrisburg to support deserving community projects,” said Senator Brewster. “Representative Pisciottano and I both recognize the importance of recreational projects like this to maintaining a good quality of living.”

The ballfields are frequented by many families in the region for games and other recreation. Funds will be used to support improvements to ensure the fields are in great shape for years to come.

“Youth sports play a fundamental role in our community,” said Representative Pisciottano. “I’m grateful for the hard work of Senator Jim Brewster to help secure these funds that will improve the baseball park and make it more accessible for the public.”

More information about CFA grants and programs are available online.

The Dravosburg Housing Association was also awarded a state grant for $166,000 to maintain the Housing Association complex in the Borough and install handicap ramps for more accessibility.

Pisciottano said this is an exciting time for community revitalization efforts in Dravosburg, highlighting the additional state grant of $166,000 awarded to the Dravosburg Housing Association earlier this year for local road and curb repair, funding that he played a major role in securing.

“These upgrades to the ballpark and roads are much needed and will directly improve the lives of local residents,” added Pisciottano. “These grants can be very competitive, and Senator Brewster and I fight hard to bring funds like these back to our area. I’m very proud to see our efforts help make our corner of Allegheny County a better place to live, work, and play.”

The Dravosburg Housing Association is a non-profit organization in the Borough offering affordable housing options and dedicated to community revitalization.

Local Fire Companies Awarded Grants to Guard Against Wildfires, Brewster says

Local Fire Companies Awarded Grants to Guard Against Wildfires, Brewster says

Dravosburg, Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Companies Receive Grants 

Harrisburg – Oct. 9, 2018 — Two local fire companies In the Mon Valley were awarded grants to help combat wildfires in state forests and undeveloped areas, according to state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 is slated to receive $2,775 and Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Co. $10,000 to respond to wildfires. 

“Our volunteer fire companies do an extraordinary job in responding to fires and emergency situations, not only in built up areas but also in forests and more rural regions,” Brewster said.  “These grants will help equip firefighters and provide training in dealing with forest or brush fires.”

There were 132 grants for fire companies approved statewide.  The total grant funding available this year is $646,891.

Since 1982, more than $12.5 million in grant funding has been approved.  The funding was received through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

“We simply must do more to support our fire services,” Brewster said.  “These dollars will be put to good use in both Dravosburg and Elizabeth.”

Brewster said fires in forests and undeveloped areas are difficult to manage and often require special equipment and training. 

“These grants are a tool that we can use to help local fire companies save lives and property,” Brewster said. 

Last year, nearly $600,000 in grant funding was released to 129 volunteer fire companies. 

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