Pittsburgh, PA – January 12, 2023 – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that two projects in the 43rd Senatorial District were awarded $480,736 through DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Program. Across PA, these projects work to protect waterways and watersheds, as well as reclaim abandoned mine sights and plug abandoned oil and gas wells.
“It’s the right of every Pennsylvanian to have clean air to breathe, pure water to drink, and beautiful natural spaces to enjoy,” said Senator Jay Costa. “I am very excited for these award winners, and am grateful for their work in protecting our environment.”
Growing Greener is the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania’s history to address critical environmental concerns. Per DEP, “Growing Greener grants can be accessible to watershed groups, local or county government, municipal authorities, county planning commissions, county conservation districts, council of governments, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.” Grant recipients have a maximum of three years to see their projects to completion.
“Environmental justice is a racial justice issue, and my community deserves this long overdue investment in climate justice,” said Representative Mayes. “This funding will help ensure that every member of my district can enjoy our natural resources for generations to come.”
In SD-43, the awardees include the following:
Nine Mile Run Watershed Association dba Upstream Pittsburgh: Rosedale Runoff Reduction Project Dornbush Street GSI Construction – $230,736
Bridgeway Capital: Ecologically Sustainable Renovation of the Parking Lot at 7800 Susquehanna Street – $250,000
More information on the Growing Greener Plus is accessible on DEP’s webpage, https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Growing-Greener/Pages/default.aspx
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Allegheny County – January 11, 2023 – Today, State Democratic Senators from Allegheny County, including Senators Jay Costa, Jim Brewster, Wayne Fontana, and Lindsey Williams, announced over $21 million in Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) grants for community violence intervention and prevention for the region.
“All of us deserve to feel safe in the homes and neighborhoods we call home. I’m so proud that the PCCD is investing in community-based solutions that deliver safety and remove dangerous weapons from the hands of those who wish harm on those we love,” said Senator Costa. “I look forward to continuing work with leaders in Pittsburgh to keep one another safe and sound.”
PCCD awarded $88.6 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grants to 122 projects throughout the state, and approximately $12 million in Coordinated Community Violence Intervention (CCVI) Strategies Pilot grants to 5 projects to support targeted anti-violence efforts in Philadelphia, Allegheny County, Chester City, and York.
Senator Brewster, a member of PCCD’s School Safety and Security Committee, took part in approving the grants that were awarded today.
“As a member of the School Safety and Security Committee, I am pleased that we were able to meet this afternoon to approve the community safety awards included in this year’s historic budget,” said Senator Brewster. “One of my top priorities has been to secure our schools and neighborhoods, and these awards will help increase coordination and prevent violence across the Commonwealth.”
A total of 22 organizations and initiatives in Allegheny County were awarded funds to support efforts to reduce gun and group violence in communities.
“I’m pleased to see these much needed funds being distributed to proven programs that will help reduce violence in our communities. Many communities in the district I represent will benefit greatly from this funding,” said Senator Fontana.
“I’m glad to see these programs receive PCCD funding to help communities address the root causes of violence using evidence-based and trauma-informed solutions,” said Senator Lindsey Williams. “These grants will go to projects that help students, families, and neighborhoods build safe schools and communities together.”
Allegheny County grant recipients include:
Coordinated CVI Strategies Pilot Grants Award Recipients
- Neighborhood Resilience Project, Allegheny County Convened Violence Prevention- $3,000,000
Violence Intervention and Prevention Competitive Grants Award Recipients
- Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation, Community Defense Project- $80,015
- ACH Clear Pathways, ACH Clear Pathway’s R.E.A.C.H. Program Support- $450,000
- Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer, Rapid Employment & Development to Reduce Violence- $2,426,014
- Amachi Pittsburgh, Hear4U Mobile Outreach- $440,500
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Inc., Woodland Hills Violence Prevention Program- $268,000
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Great Futures Solutions- $1,809,760
- Center for Victims, Competitive VIP Grant – Comprehensive Response- $2,500,000
- Community Empowerment Association, Inc., Violence Intervention Proposal (VIP)- $927,917
- Focus On Renewal Sto-Rox Neighborhood Corp., Families Foremost- $833,029
- Foundation of HOPE, HOPE Aftercare/MAD DADS Collaborative- $809,000
- Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc., P4:247 CommUNITY- $1,500,000
- Pittsburgh City, Pittsburgh Youth Violence Prevention in Schools- $2,499,909
- Pittsburgh Community Services Inc., PCSI’s Violence Intervention & Prevention Project-$750,000
- Ruth’s Way,Inc., The Achievement Consultation Program- $111,105
- The Pittsburgh Contingency, Inc. (South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace), South Pgh Coalition for Peace Outreach Program- $160,000
- The Pittsburgh Contingency, Inc. (Voices Against Violence), Voices Against Violence- $187,500
- University of Pittsburgh, Empowering Teens to Thrive- $1,240,722
- University of Pittsburgh (School of Medicine), Teen Outreach to Promote Safety (TOPS)- $704,285
- Wilkinsburg Sanctuary Project, Project for Peace Service Camp- $25,000
- Youth Enrichment Services, Inc., Youth Lead Peer Engagement Violence Prevention Hub- $650,000
- YouthPlaces, YouthPlaces Trauma-Informed Care Project- $410,534
More information about grant recipients and project details can be found under the Gun Violence tab on the http://www.pccd.pa.gov/ website.
Harrisburg, PA − January 6, 2023 − Today, State Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) is proud to announce the Democratic chairs of the Senate’s standing committees for the 2023-24 legislative session.
“As the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus, it’s a great privilege to put forward these great leaders to serve the people of Pennsylvania,” said Senator Jay Costa. “I fully entrust our members to lead with integrity as they work to deliver for everyone who calls this Commonwealth home. I look forward to working alongside them in the coming months.”
The Democratic chairs are as follows, listed alphabetically by committee:
- Aging & Youth: Maria Collett
- Agriculture & Rural Affairs: Judy Schwank
- Appropriations: Vincent Hughes
- Banking & Insurance: Sharif Street
- Communications & Technology: Jimmy Dillon
- Community, Economic, & Recreational Development: Anthony H. Williams
- Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure: Lisa Boscola
- Education: Lindsey Williams
- Environmental Resources & Energy: Carolyn Comitta
- Finance: Nick Miller
- Games & Fisheries: Jim Brewster
- Health & Human Services: Art Haywood
- Intergovernmental Operations: Tina Tartgalione
- Judiciary: Steve Santarsiero
- Labor & Industry: John Kane
- Law & Justice: Jim Brewster
- Local Government: Tim Kearney
- Rules & Executive Nominations: Jay Costa
- State Government: Amanda Cappelletti
- Transportation: Marty Flynn
- Urban Affairs & Housing: Nikil Saval
- Veteran’s Affairs & Emergency Preparedness: Katie Muth
For the complete list of all members’ committee assignments, visit PASenate.com/Committees.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – January 4, 2023 − Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will distribute approximately $15 million in Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding, including $565,292 for Senate District 43. Pennsylvania’s ARLE program uses data to provide automated enforcement at intersections where drivers typically run red lights.
In the 43rd Senatorial district, Penn Hills Township was awarded $565,292 for traffic signal replacement at Frankstown Road (SR 0400) & Beulah Road (SR 0130).
“Everyone deserves to get where they are going safely, whether you’re driving, biking, or walking,” said Senator Costa. “This funding will ensure that everyone who uses the roads follows the rules and keeps each other out of harm’s way. I look forward to seeing this project to completion.”
Fines from red light violations at 36 intersections in Philadelphia served as the source of ARLE funding. Per state law, projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion were considered for funding. An eight-member committee awarded funding based on safety benefits and effectiveness, cost, and local and regional impact.
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PITTSBURGH, PA – December 16, 2022 − Today, Senator Jay Costa announces over $20 million in funding for Allegheny-based agencies and organizations from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). This funding will deliver equipment, support, and resources to keep Allegheny County residents safe in the places they call home.
“All of us deserve a network of support and care in the face of crime or emergency, and I’m proud to have delivered funding that will bring much needed resources to these shared values,” said Senator Costa. “I look forward to seeing the fruits of this funding as we move forward into the new year, and I hope that we can continue to deliver safety, care, and advocacy for everyone.”
The funding recipients, as well as the source of the funding, are as follows:
Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds – Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program Recipients
- Pittsburgh City was awarded $17,598,124 for portable radios and related hardware.
- Swissvale Borough was awarded $291,000 for technology upgrades for station and in-vehicle computers; in-vehicle cameras; interrogation suite technology; and retention bonuses.
- Wilkinsburg Borough was awarded $809,005 for upgrade to records management system; in-car cameras; mobile data terminals; retention bonuses; surveillance cameras; and server upgrade.
Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds – Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program Recipients
- Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer was awarded $2,348,536 to support ACPD personnel salaries and benefits, overtime reimbursement, vehicle and equipment purchasing, software purchasing and licensing, and training. It will also be used to support salary and benefit reimbursement for additional ACDA personnel, software purchasing and licensing, and equipment purchasing and installation costs.
State Funds – Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Recipients
- Three Rivers Youth, Inc. was awarded $10,000 for their Employment Support Program
Federal State Opioid Response Grant Funds – Augmentation Recipients
- Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer was awarded $533,647 for the Allegheny County Jail MAT Methadone Program
State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds Recipients
- A Child’s Place was awarded $47,000 Employment Support Program Women’s Reentry
- UPMC – Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh was awarded $47,000 to bridge the Emergency Department to CAC Gap
Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act Funds Recipients
- SisTers PGH Corp was awarded $75,000 for Project T Housing Support
Federal Victims of Crime Act, State Rights and Services Act, and State Victims of Juvenile Offenders Funds Recipients
- Womens Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $111,882 to assist Victims of IPV in Criminal Court
- Pittsburgh Action Against Rape was awarded $169,250 for RASA and VOJO Services to Sexual Violence Victims
- Center for Victims was awarded $1,801,266 for RASA/VOJO January 2023 – December 2024
- Crisis Center North, Inc. was awarded $39,119 for Continued Magisterial Services
- Alle-Kiski Area Hoper Center was awarded $31,992 for HOPE RASA Services 2023-2024
State Violence & Delinquency Prevention Program Funds Recipients
- Amachi Pittsburgh was awarded $100,000 for the Allegheny County YJAB-C Pilot
- Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. was awarded $99,919 for Jasmines Story Youth Council at YES
A total of $5 million available for the NonProfit Security Grant Program was available, but only $3,987,450 was recommended for funding. PCCD anticipates an additional round of applications will open for the rest early in the new year.
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Harrisburg, PA − December 14, 2022 − Today, Senator Jay Costa and Representative Dan Frankel are proud to announce the Allegheny County recipients of Nonprofit Security Grant Funding. The program is funded by Act 83 of 2019 and administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). In the wake of the mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018, Sen. Costa and Rep. Frankel secured this grant funding so that nonprofits who could be targets of hate crimes could improve security measures and protect members from hate-based violence.
“All of us deserve the freedom to practice our faith and gather with community members safely, without fear of violence,” said Senator Jay Costa. “In order to deliver on that crucial freedom, I am proud to have worked so closely with Rep. Frankel and members of the Jewish community in Allegheny County to secure funding that will keep worshippers, families, and communities safe. It saddens me greatly that these funds are necessary, but as long as they are, I am proud to do what’s necessary to keep people of all ages, races, faiths, and backgrounds safe in the places they live and gather.”
“I look forward to a day when these grants will not be necessary – that Pennsylvanians can worship and be together with their communities without fear. While we continue to fight for that future, I am proud of the success we have had to direct resources toward every effort to ensure that our vulnerable constituents can feel safe and secure,” said Representative Dan Frankel.
The recipients of this round of grants based in Allegheny County are as follows:
- Chabad House on Campus, Inc.: $25,000
- Chabad of Squirrel Hill: $150,000
- Christ Temple Church of Pittsburgh: $10,000
- Community Day School: $25,000
- Jewish Family & Children’s Service $24,683
- Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh: $67,820
- The Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh, Inc.: $150,000
- Tzohar Arts: $25,000
- Universal Education Foundation: $25,000
- Yeshivath Achel Tmimim of Pittsburgh: $25,000
The funding comes from Act 83 of 2019, which established a new program at the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Act 83 directs PCCD to administer grants to Pennsylvania-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s 2017 Hate Crime Statistics publication. The categories include race/ethnicity/ancestry; religion; sexual orientation; disability; gender; and gender identity.
Applicants were eligible for security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization. More information about the grant is accessible on the PCCD’s website.
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