(HARRISBURG) – Two Elk County projects will receive a total of $193,750 in state funds, state Senator Cris Dush (R-25) announced today.
“I am pleased to be able to work with our local leaders including former Senator Joe Scarnati to bring this funding home,” Senator Dush said. “This support is essential to making certain that important public improvements are made.”
The Johnsonburg Borough received $93,750 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Flood Mitigation fund, which is designed to help local entities offset flood prevention costs. The funds will help the borough complete an inspection of a culvert connected to a flood control project that was completed in 1957 and engineering study of an interior drainage area for adequate capacity. The total project cost is $107,825.
“This crucial state funding will assist our local communities in making major infrastructure improvements that will enhance safety,” Senator Dush said. “For almost 65 years, the borough has maintained this flood control area and will help to prevent future loss of property for residents.”
“Longtime inhabitants of this area already know the energy tremendous benefits reaped from the existence of natural gas,” Rep. Armanini commented. “What monetizing this naturally-existing asset has allowed us to also do is fund key projects throughout our communities, including, in this case, being able to address a vital infrastructure need in the Johnsonburg area.”
The Keystone Elk Country Alliance was awarded $100,000 to build an educational pavilion at the Elk County Visitor Center to enhance educational opportunities, special events, quality viewing locations and safety. The total project cost is $350,012.
“The community has been working successfully to increase awareness of the wonderful things in Elk County,” Senator Dush said. “This grant will allow facilities to be established so more people will come and experience all our area has to offer.”
“This is a key piece in a major upgrade to educational opportunities for what some of us often forget is a worldwide attraction,” said Rep. Armanini. “In three years, the improvements being funded in part by this grant will have been realized and this incredible tourism dollar ‘magnet’ will have incredibly grown to be something even greater than it is now.”
The funds are part of the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Funding Program, which is funded by Act 13 of 2012 which established the state’s Marcellus Shale Impact Fee and the Marcellus Legacy Fund. The CFA allocates funds for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects.
CONTACT: Zack Ankeny