January 25, 2022
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.
December 23, 2020
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.
October 14, 2016
Harrisburg – October 14, 2016 – A total of $4.2 million in state grant funding has been approved for three important economic development projects in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
In Allegheny County, the former EchoStar Call Center at McKeesport Commons will be redeveloped with a $1 million state grant to accommodate future office needs. In addition, Keystone Commons is slated to receive $2 million in state grant funding to continue development of the site in the Turtle Creek Valley.
Meanwhile, in Westmoreland County, New Kensington has been given $1.2 million to acquire properties between the Allegheny River and Constitution Boulevard from 9th Street to the City of Arnold.
“Creating jobs and business opportunities is a critical part of rebuilding the tax base and fashioning a brighter future for the region” Brewster said. “As a former mayor, I know how important it is to have sites ready to capitalize on potential development.”
Brewster said that accessing state resources to bolster local development is essential to helping the region with its economic recovery.
“The grants for McKeesport, Keystone Commons and New Kensington can help attract new business and industry,” Brewster said. “The state grants will help retool these sites, create regional assets and position them for future development.”
The grants were awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). RACP grants can be used for acquisition and construction of economic development projects in a number of categories including cultural, civic, recreation and historical.
“RACP grants are a critical economic tool that can spur development and job creation.” Brewster said.
Brewster said that the $2 million for Keystone Commons involves land development, infrastructure improvements, building reconstruction and development of new buildings.
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