Senator Costa Announces $8 Million in State Grants for his District

Pittsburgh, Pa. – August 1, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced more than $8 million in state grants that will go to projects in the 43rd senatorial district.

“I’m proud to have advocated for these projects in our area, and excited to see them come to fruition thanks to this investment from the state,” said Senator Costa. “Each of the projects funded today are vastly different, and I believe will improve the lives of our residents and as well as bolster our region’s economy through the development process.”

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 today will be the Carnegie Library of Homestead. They’ll receive $500,000 to renovate their locker rooms and pool, making the entire facility more wheelchair accessible.

“The Carnegie Library of Homestead provides superb services to our residents, and facilities like that deserve to have the most up-to-date resources at their disposal,” said Representative Austin Davis, who represents Homestead said. “I can’t wait to see all the positive that come from this substantial funding.”

Also with today’s funds, ACTION Housing will move forward with the redevelopment of the old Squirrel Hill Theater, which has been vacant since 2010. They’ll receive $1,000,000 to create a six-story building on the site.

“In order for our city and region to live up to its “most live-able” title and remain affordable for both new and long-time residents, mixed-use property is vital,” said Representative Dan Frankel, who represents the area.

As the Frick Art & Historical Center moves forward with its mission, they will receive $1,250,000 to tackle major capital projects.

“By helping save the cultural landmarks of our city, we are preserving our past for future generations,” Representative Ed Gainey, who represents this area, said. “When we invest in these projects, whether the redevelopment of a brownfield or the preservation of local history, we are investing in the people in our communities, and encouraging businesses and community organizations to do the same.”

Other projects funded today in Senator Costa’s district include:

  • $500,000 for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to renovate meeting rooms and feature areas for community programs
  • $500,000 for the Distillery at South Shore in Pittsburgh to update its façade, replace windows, HVAC and plumbing
  • $500,000 to the Urban Redevelopment Authority to preserve and stabilize the Homewood Coliseum
  • The Urban Redevelopment Authority will receive additional $1,000,000 to revitalize the Hunt Armory Recreation Facility
  • $500,000 for the City of Pittsburgh to expand Homewood Park
  • $1,000,000 go to the City of Pittsburgh to renovate the public pool at the Oliver Bath House
  • $1,000,000 for ICON Development, Pgh to begin work on a mixed-use project at Lexington Technology Park
  • $500,000 for the development of a 12-story office and retail building at Innovation Research Tower to include 100 parking spaces, and 86 bicycle spaces

 

###

Senator Costa Celebrates Fresh Food Grants to Local Schools

PITTSBURGH, PA – July 15, 2019 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announced the award of federal grants to local elementary schools to fund healthy, fresh food programs for students.

“Our young students can’t learn properly if they aren’t properly fed,” said Senator Costa. “A healthy meal means so much to a hungry child, and these grants are going to schools that have demonstrated a need in their students’ diets.”

Funding priority is given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.  Grantees are required to spend a majority of their grant on the purchase of fresh fruit and vegetable and must develop a plan to establish partnerships to reduce other costs.  Schools are also required to provide nutrition education to students, but cannot use FFVP funding to purchase nutrition education materials.

The Woodland Hills School District will receive $60,490; Wilkinsburg schools will receive $28,014; West Mifflin Area Schools will receive $42,607.50; Propel Charter Schools will receive $139,897.50; Pittsburgh School District will receive $92,805; Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship will receive $17,940; and Penn Hills School District will receive $69,402.

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).  The program’s goals are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impact students’ present and future health.  FFVP was first implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and expanded to all 50 states in 2008.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables provide vital nutrients to growing children,” said Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera. “These grants are another way to help address food security in our schools while also providing an opportunity to teach students how to make smart and nutritious choices.”

###