PENN HILLS – February 11, 2025 – State Reps. Joe McAndrew and La’Tasha D. Mayes, both D-Allegheny, joined city of Pittsburgh officials for a news conference on to present a $250,000 award for the paving of East Hills Drive in Penn Hills, which will connect the East Hills community in the City of Pittsburgh.
Attendees at the event included:
Bishop Donald Clay – Petra International Ministries.
State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes – grant sponsor.
State Rep. Joe McAndrew – grant sponsor.
Sen. Jay Costa – D-Allegheny.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey.
Pittsburgh City Councilman Khari Mosley – District 9, which includes East Hills.
Simone McMeans – Deputy Director, Allegheny County Economic Development.
A major thoroughfare to the East Hills community, East Hills Drive, which runs from Frankstown Road in Penn Hills to the entrance to the East Hills community in the city of Pittsburgh, has been a significant thoroughfare for private and public traffic for over 50 years.
The road fell into a significant state of disrepair due to claims on who owned the street and a lack of funding. For multiple decades, many elected officials have tried and failed to have the road paved.
The road, which needs to be reconstructed, is owned by Tamion Enterprises, the nonprofit branch of Petra Ministries located on Eastgate Drive on an outparcel of the former East Hills Shopping Center. With the state grant funds necessary to finance that project, private vehicles, traffic to and from Petra Ministries, emergency vehicles, Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, food pantry trucks and school buses serving Imani Christian Academy will resume easy access to the East Hills community.
Tamion Enterprises plans to install fencing along the roadway to deter dumping.
“It was my privilege to bring state and city government officials to the same table to get this project underway for our mutual constituents,” McAndrew said. “Residents in this area have been suffering for a long time, forced to find other routes to access the East Hills community.”
“Receiving this funding to rehabilitate East Hills Drive in Penn Hills is essential for our community. This road serves as a critical link between two vibrant neighborhoods, and its improvement will enhance safety, promote accessibility, and foster stronger connections. We are grateful for this investment in our infrastructure and the positive impact it will have on our residents’ daily lives, quality of life and our local economy,” Mayes said.
“This project is a wonderful example of how various levels of government can collaborate to find meaningful solutions to our challenges,” Mosley said. “When our elected officials work strategically with our community stakeholders, we can tackle the critical issues we face and bring real change.”
This project was financed (in part) by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority and the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County.
“Today’s budget proposal is a very solid plan to deliver critical growth, freedom, and opportunity to every Pennsylvanian,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “Governor Shapiro’s plan is a commonsense approach to progress in our state, balancing fiscal responsibility with a bold vision for improving the lives of our families and workers. From ensuring folks can get to work on functional roads and transit systems to unleashing our energy potential, Pennsylvania stands poised to seize the opportunities before us. I look forward to the next few weeks of budget hearings and collaborative discussions with my colleagues in all four caucuses as we move forward.”
Senator Vincent Hughes, Democratic Appropriations Chair, said, “This budget is a testament to Governor Shapiro’s commitment to hardworking Pennsylvania’s. It funds student teachers and schools, childcare providers, direct care workers, and opportunities for young people and adults to develop new skills and get high paying jobs. It introduces new money for affordable housing, lower utility costs, and tax relief for homeowners.
We want the people of Pennsylvania to know we are listening, and we are fighting for them. While we continue to see chaos and reckless cuts out of Washington, Governor Shapiro and state Democrats are committed to protecting Pennsylvanians from paying more for basic necessities. We are focused on affordability. We are serving the people of Pennsylvania, not a handful of millionaires and billionaires.”
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has laid out its vision to deliver For Every Pennsylvanian. This year’s budget includes important developments on some crucial areas, including:
$1 billion in tax relief for homeowners
Over $8.2 billion for public schools, bringing the total Shapiro Administration investment to $1.1 trillion
$40 million for student teacher stipends, bringing the total program investment to $70 million
Over $90 million for gun violence prevention
Over $23 million to support primary health care practitioners with student loan payments
$55M for childcare worker recruitment and retention
$292.5M for mass transit throughout Pennsylvania
$50 million to incentivize the development of the life sciences industry in Pennsylvania
PITTSBURGH, PA – January 30, 2025 − Today, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled The Lightning Plan, a sweeping energy policy aimed at unleashing Pennsylvania’s energy potential, creating good jobs, reducing costs for energy consumers, and positioning our commonwealth as a leader in modern energy production and distribution.
In support, Senator Costa releases the following statement:;
“I am delighted to be supporting Governor Shapiro as he lays out a bold, visionary plan for energy in Pennsylvania that uplifts our commonwealth from every angle, from energy production to consumer costs to grid reliability and beyond.
“Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have supported and will continue to support bringing the Governor’s vision to fruition, advocating for legislation like PRESS, PACER, and EDGE to shore up our energy market and modernize critical tax credit programs.
“I look forward to championing The Lightning Plan throughout this budget season until all the pillars are signed into law.”
PITTSBURGH, PA – January 29, 2025 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $1,175,000 in Gaming Economic Development Tourism money and Act 13 money benefiting the 43rd senatorial district.
“I am delighted to be announcing funding that supports our parks, our trails, our first responders, and our critical nonprofits that make our community so special,” said Senator Costa. “Supporting these crucial community organizations to improve their infrastructure is just one way we can continue to deliver safe, welcoming spaces for every Pennsylvanian.”
“These investments will enhance public spaces, improve accessibility, and strengthen community infrastructure,” McAndrew said. “From upgrading parks and public safety to supporting local firefighters, this funding ensures long-term benefits for residents. Thanks to Sen. Jay Costa for his advocacy in securing these essential funds.”
Alongside Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces the following awards from Act 13 funding:
The Municipality of Penn Hills was awarded $80,000 for the Verona, Oakmont, Penn Hills, Plum (VOPP) Trail Connector Milltown Bridge Restoration
Oakmont Borough was awarded $80,000 for Riverview Park Field Lights
Additionally, alongside Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces that Wilkins Township was awarded $80,000 in Act 13 funding for Community Center Outdoor Renovation.
Per the Department of Community and Economic Development’s website, “Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program.”
From GEDTF, Senator Costa and Representative McAndrew announce the following:
Allegheny Valley North COG in Oakmont was awarded $195,000 to purchase and install full fixture light poles at Oakmont-Riverside Park.
Tamion Enterprises in Penn Hills was awarded $250,000 for road paving, landscaping and cleanup & lighting at the East Hills Drive Gateway.
North Bessemer Community Volunteer Fire Association in Penn Hills was awarded $125,000 to repair and replace the North Bessemer Community VFD Parking Lot Replacement.
Verona Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $60,000 for Enhanced Emergency Response Equipment, specifically the purchase a new Stanley Land craft fire/rescue boat.
SEIU Local 668 in Wilkinsburg was awarded $125,000 in GEDTF funding for the installation of ADA compliant ramps, interior construction and upgrades, roof repairs and lighting in the SEIU 668 Wilkinsburg Office
With Representative Dan Frankel and Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, Rodef Shalom Congregation was awarded $110,000 in GEDTF funding to replace lighting fixtures throughout the building.
“Supporting the organizations that bring people together is always a good bet,” said Rep. Frankel. “With needed state support, these projects will enhance the day-to-day lives of neighbors throughout our community.”
“These grants from the GEDTF will allow us to continue investing in Pittsburgh’s economy by supporting recreation, community services and affordable housing throughout Allegheny County,” Mayes said. “Not only can we continue to attract tourism, but we can also improve our local recreational offerings, diversify Pittsburgh’s services to communities of color, and bring down the cost of housing in our area.”
In conjunction with Representatives Frankel, Mayes, and Abney, Senator Costa announces Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was awarded $70,000 in GEDTF funding for ADA accessible pathways, improve stormwater and create new connections between park and CMU campus at Schenley Park.
“Public safety and accessibility are at the heart of these funds,” Abney said. “Thank you to Sen. Costa for his collaboration in securing these dollars.”
Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF) grants allow municipalities, authorities, councils of government (COGs), and both non- and for-profit businesses to carry out significant economic development for current and future use. Administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC), these grants provide financial assistance to entities to facilitate economic development projects in Allegheny County.
PITTSBURGH, PA – January 16, 2025 – Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $5,717,807 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) benefitting the 43rd district, encompassing parts of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.
The purpose of VIP funding is to provide grants and technical assistance to address community violence throughout the Commonwealth. For the purpose of this funding announcement, ‘community violence’ is defined as intentional interpersonal violence (e.g., gun violence, group-related violence, domestic violence/intimate partner violence) in areas of Pennsylvania with high rates of firearm-related violent crime and/or firearm-related injury.
“I am so proud to announce these dollars, which will go towards keeping our friends and neighbors safe,” said Senator Costa. “We know that when we invest in strong, vibrant community spaces and programming, we can reduce violence, improve lives, and build critical life skills among our young people. I look forward to seeing this funding to go good use in the 43rd district.”
VIP Grants Awardees in the 43rd senatorial district are as follows:
1Hood Media was awarded $620,000 to expand and enhance their We Keep Us Safe (WKUS) media literacy and violence prevention program for young adults ages 16-26 impacted by community violence. WKUS promotes healthy and informed social media use, arts education engagement and sports activities, as well as safe, fun community service gatherings for youth through “Fridays on Deck” events.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $900,000 to provide evidence-based youth mentoring programs at five schools in East Pittsburgh—Woodland Hills High School, Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy, and Propel Schools Braddock Hills Elementary, Middle, and High Schools—that share an area critically affected by gun violence.
Carnegie Library of Homestead was awarded $582,666 to expand and enhance their Youth Development and Restorative Justice Program. Funds will be used to engage at-risk youth by providing restorative justice circles, educational workshops, and recreational activities to reduce violence and promote positive youth development.
Homewood Children’s Village was awarded $950,000 to support its Holistic Anti-Violence Education Network (HAVEN) program, which embeds violence prevention in community schools, trains parents and family members in anti-violence techniques, provides youth mentorship, and expands access to therapeutic services.
Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc., was awarded $949,991 to expand its P4: 247 CommUNITY program, which provides culturally sensitive, trauma-informed interventions (mentoring and counseling) to youth/young adults and families impacted by gun violence within Allegheny and Beaver Counties.
The Legacy Arts Project was awarded $434,840 to implement the expansion of the Drums Not Guns, which is a culturally enriching program to reduce gun violence and participation in gang activity.
The University of Pittsburgh was awarded $949,856 to support expansion of the Empowering Teens to Thrive (ET3) hospital-based violence intervention program and community-based mentorship program for youth ages 12-25 injured or impacted by community violence.
Youth Enrichment Services, Inc., was awarded $950,000 to enhance its youth-led peer engagement and violence prevention programming. Program components include the Fitness Fun Involving Sports and Health program, implementing youth-created Big Ideas for addressing gun violence, and scaling the annual Teen Violence Prevention Symposium.
From the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant program, Early Excellence Project was awarded $235,446 to expand High Impact Tutoring Program to out-of-school time (OST) settings in the Southside of Pittsburgh.
