Democratic Leader Jay Costa Announces RACP Funding for Projects in Swissvale and Wilkinsburg

PITTSBURGH, PA – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces over $1 Million in RACP funding benefitting Swissvale and Penn Hills.

“I am so proud to live in a community with organizations doing incredible work to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors, and I’m honored to do my part to deliver the resources to keep them going,” said Senator Costa. “I look forward to seeing these critical projects come to fruition and continue to beautify Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.”  

With State Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces that POWER in Swissvale Borough was awarded $850,000 for POWER Campus III. The project involves important capital improvements to two POWER’s facilities located on the POWER Campus in Swissvale. The improvements will enhance POWER’s ability to provide substance use disorder services and expand the services that POWER offers to clients and larger community.

“POWER does incredible work helping to empower and transform the lives of women facing substance use disorder,” Salisbury said. “The new funding will support needed improvements to two buildings on the group’s unique, Swissvale-based campus, which consolidates all levels of care in one location. The renovations will allow POWER to enhance and expand its services to reach more women.”

Further with State Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces that Wilkinsburg Borough was awarded $275,000 for building improvements to the Borough building. The proposed project entails reconstruction of the building entrance and ADA improvements, electrical generator upgrades, renovation of the police and fire departments living quarters, a new elevator, HVAC upgrades, and renovations to public and employee restroom facilities.

“These are important improvements required to make the building safer, more accessible, more useful and more comfortable for the public employees and first responders based there,” Salisbury said.

Per the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, “RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.  RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.”

Learn more about Senate Democrats’ commitment to thriving communities every Pennsylvanian here.

######

Democratic Leader Jay Costa Announces $11 million in RACP Funding with Representative Dan Frankel

PITTSBURGH, PA – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $11 Million in RACP funding benefitting Senate District 43.

“I am so proud to live in a community with organizations doing incredible work to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors, and I’m honored to do my part to deliver the resources to keep them going,” said Senator Costa. “I look forward to seeing these critical projects come to fruition and continue to beautify Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.”  

With State Representative Dan Frankel, Senator Costa announces that Temple Sinai in Pittsburgh City was awarded $1,000,000 for system maintenance and repairs. Some of the operating systems in the building are over fifty years old and need to be replaced with modern technology.

Further with State Representative Dan Frankel, Senator Costa announces that Tree of Life was awarded $4,000,000 for Phase II of construction. The core goals for the project include: preserving the historic spaces; modernizing and right-sizing the main sanctuary; and designing an innovative and interactive Holocaust and modern anti-Semitism exhibit.

“These dollars show our commonwealth’s commitment to the historic Tree of Life project,” said Frankel. “I am proud to help ensure that the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in America will stand as a monument to tolerance, education and resilience.”

Finally with State Representative Dan Frankel, Senator Costa announces that Walnut Capital Mckee LP was awarded $6,000,000 for Oakland Crossings – Urban Center Mixed Use District (UC-MU). The First Phase of Oakland Crossings includes costs associated with land acquisition, site work, infrastructure, and utilities for the Urban Core-Mixed Use (UC-MU) District.

Per the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, “RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.  RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.”

Learn more about Senate Democrats’ commitment to thriving communities every Pennsylvanian here.

######

Democratic Leader Jay Costa Joins Senator Wayne Fontana To Announce $750,000 for The Clemente Museum

PITTSBURGH, PA – With State Senator Wayne Fontana, Senator Costa announces that The Clemente Collection at Engine House 25 was awarded $750,000 for Museum Infrastructure Renovations. This project involves several areas. The primary components are elevator installation, roof upgrades, IT upgrades, and improvements to the facade.

“I am so proud to live in a community with organizations doing incredible work to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors, and I’m honored to do my part to deliver the resources to keep them going,” said Senator Costa. “Roberto Clemente was not only an excellent athlete, but a world-class human being, always fighting for what’s right. I’m honored to help share his legacy through these RACP dollars.”    

“The Clemente Museum is one of our region’s top tourist attractions,” said Senator Fontana. “I was proud to support the Museum’s RACP request which will make their building more accessible to the public and enable them to host more visitors.”

Per the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, “RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.  RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.”

Learn more about Senate Democrats’ commitment to thriving communities every Pennsylvanian here.

######

Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus Denounces Racist Depictions of Vice President Harris at Mount Pleasant Parade

PITTSBURGH, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus condemns in the strongest terms the offensive and racist depictions of Vice President Kamala Harris at a Mount Pleasant Borough Halloween Parade last night. Vice President Harris, who is of Black and Indian descent, was depicted with her hands bound and walking behind a vehicle with a roof-mounted rifle.

In response, the Democratic Caucus issues the following statement:

“Yesterday’s display was beyond inappropriate, disgusting, and offensive, and we are deeply troubled that so many families and community members had to bear witness to such a repulsive display. Our community is a place where everyone must feel welcome, regardless of their political affiliation, race, gender, or faith. This gross display rehashing the painful history of enslavement of African Americans violates one of our deepest values: that Pennsylvania is for all of us. We cannot conjure language strong enough to condemn this behavior, and we call on our fellow elected officials to join us in condemning this violent incident.”

Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ commitment to safe communities for every Pennsylvanian here.

Democratic Leader Jay Costa Joins Representative Joe McAndrew to Announce $2 Million in RACP Funding for Penn Hills

PITTSBURGH, PA – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $2 Million in RACP funding benefitting Penn Hills for two projects in the area.

“I am so proud to live in a community with organizations doing incredible work to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors, and I’m honored to do my part to deliver the resources to keep them going,” said Senator Costa. “I look forward to seeing these critical projects come to fruition and continue to beautify Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.”  

“Going around the Penn Hills community in my first term, I heard time and time again the need for investment into our youth, and general concern that there were not enough after school resources for them to participate in,” said Representative McAndrew. “To step up and support delivering $1 million in funding to our region for a minority business owner to build a new facility for our youth athletics and to drive $1 million to a community center predominantly supporting our black youth in after school programing are huge wins to our region and for our youth. This truly sets the tone as I wrap up my first term in office. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Costa in the community for our youth, with these and other organizations in our region.”

With State Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces that Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens of Penn Hills Township was awarded $1,000,000 for the De’Avry A. Thomas Community Center. The project involves the first phase of renovations at the former Lincoln Park Community Center which is being re-envisioned as the De’Avry A. Thomas Community Center.

“Being awarded the RACP funding from the Commonwealth feels like a huge win, not just for us at Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens Community Center, but for every young person who walks through our doors,” said Kahlil G Darden, founder and CEO of Young Motivated Black Kings and Queens. “This award means we can create spaces that truly reflect the potential we see in our youth—places where they can feel safe, supported, and inspired to pursue their dreams. Renovating our center is about more than new walls and fresh paint; it’s about building a foundation for hope and opportunity. We’re incredibly thankful to Representative McAndrew and Senator Costa for their ongoing support, which shows our community that when we come together, we can make real, lasting change.”

Further with State Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces that AWK Inc. of Penn Hills Township was awarded $1,000,000 for the development of Elite Athlete Training Complex. The project consists of the preliminary site development and new construction of an elite sports training facility. The project will include an indoor football field, two basketball courts, six pickleball courts, weight/speed training room, a learning center with three auditorium style classrooms, cafeteria/kitchen, and 72 bed dormitory.

Per the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget, “RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.  RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.”

Learn more about Senate Democrats’ commitment to thriving communities every Pennsylvanian here.

Democratic Leader Jay Costa Announces Over $2 Million in LSA Dollars Benefiting Wilkinsburg

PITTSBURGH, PA – October 28, 2024 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $2,236,500 in LSA funding for projects in Wilkinsburg.

“I am delighted to be announcing the recipients of these LSA dollars to benefit our communities,” said Senator Costa. “Wilkinsburg is a beautiful community full of good, hard-working people, and I am so proud to play a small part in improving their day-to-day lives.”

The beneficiaries of this funding in Wilkinsburg are as follows:

  • Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority was awarded $600,000 for Community Forge Community Center Rehab and Modernization in Wilkinsburg Borough. Locally Grown has acquired a former elementary school in Wilkinsburg and has turned the building into a community center called Community Forge. This project will perform needed renovations to the building.
  • Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority was awarded $500,000 for Rochez Building Renovation Project in Wilkinsburg Borough to serve as the new home for Gwen’s Girls.
  • Wilkinsburg Borough was awarded $150,000 for Hunter Park Improvements, including additional recreation options, improved accessibility, and rehabilitation of existing park amenities.
  • Wilkinsburg Borough was also awarded $450,000 for the Wilkinsburg Demolition and Development Program. Wilkinsburg Borough is proposing the acquisition of 22 vacant residential properties via the Allegheny County Vacant Property Recovery Program and the demolition of 50 blighted residential properties.
  • Wilkinsburg Borough also awarded $300,000 for the purchase of a Street Sweeper.
  • Wilkinsburg Land Bank was awarded $236,500 for the second phase of the Wilkinsburg Land Bank Residential Redevelopment Program.

Learn more about the LSA Program here.

Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ priorities for every Pennsylvanian here.

###