Latest news with #CommonwealthFinancingAuthority
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pa. awards $22.5 million in Solar for Schools grants to help 73 schools reduce energy costs
A solar array. (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom) Pennsylvania has awarded grants totaling $22.5 million to 73 schools across the state to help pay for solar energy installations, the Commonwealth Financing Authority announced Tuesday. The awards under the Department of Community and Economic Development's Solar for Schools program will provide up to $500,000 to each school. The solar arrays they help pay for could save school districts millions of dollars in energy costs, state Rep. Elizabeth Fieldler (D-Philadelphia) said. 'I am so happy for each of these schools and excited to see names from nearly every corner of the state,' Fiedler, who introduced legislation to create the program last year, said. 'I've heard from rural schools who plan to include their solar panels in agricultural education and from city schools that are thinking strategically about rooftop solar with limited space. I have no doubt that the recipients will benefit from the program's flexibility to meet their school's needs and to make the most of their strengths.' The grant awards come as the legislature is preparing for the final month before the state budget is due June 30. The current budget included up to $25 million for the Solar for Schools program and Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed to match that amount in the upcoming budget. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Fiedler's bill, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly with broad bipartisan support last summer, was created as a way to address the school funding crisis, rising utility costs and climate change together, her office said. 'As energy costs rise, diversifying our energy sources is more important than ever. Increased energy usage throughout the country also puts us at a higher risk because of the inadequate power grid,' state Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Greene) said. 'Schools that use solar panels will counteract that problem by improving Pennsylvania's energy security and lowering costs – saving millions of dollars of taxpayer money.' It also received strong support from building trade unions, whose members will benefit from the construction jobs the grants help to create. 'These new projects through Solar for Schools will open up doors for workers across the state,' said Robert S. Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building Trades Council. 'Energy jobs are crucial in Pennsylvania. Labor needs to be on the forefront of growing industries like solar.' Union support was, in part, the result of a yearslong effort to strengthen relationships between environmental and labor advocates, who recognize the adoption of renewable energy sources requires skilled workers just as fossil fuel plants do. In the initial round of applications for Solar for School, districts from rural, suburban and urban areas requested $88 million, more than three times the amount available in the current budget. The grants awarded totaled less than the full $25 million because the money is divided between three regions and the DCED did not find enough qualifying applications in one of them, Fiedler said. While interest in renewable energy is growing and political support for such programs is broadening, solar energy still faces hurdles in state government. With the overwhelming response to the initial appropriation, Fiedler said she is hopeful that at least another $25 million Solar for Schools will be approved as part of the next budget. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Six Schuylkill road projects get state grants
Six transportation and infrastructure improvement projects in Schuylkill County were recently awarded state grants. A grant of $200,000 was approved to construct a dedicated right-turn lane and traffic signaling at the intersection of Route 61 and Altamont Boulevard near Frackville. These improvements will improve motorist safety outside the borough and support the construction of a commercial property expected to create 600 new jobs, state officials said. Also in Frackville, the borough was awarded $250,000 to replace deteriorating sidewalks along one block of North Lehigh Avenue. The sidewalks, curbs and handicap ramps are now in poor condition and pose hazards to pedestrians, officials said. Schuylkill Haven Borough was awarded $250,000 to make much-needed improvements to the sidewalks, curbing and handicapped ramps along the Parkway section of Route 443. The borough in 2023 had also received $300,000 from the state to support this project. The funding was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure safe and reliable transportation. The grants were approved during a recent public meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. 'Investing in our infrastructure is essential to keeping our communities safe and accessible,' said State Represent Tim Twardzik, who represents Schuylkill. 'This funding will support critical sidewalk and roadway improvements across the 123rd District. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have for residents and businesses throughout the region.' 'Projects like these are important for building strong communities yet can be very expensive for local governments,' said State Sen. David Argall, whose district includes Schuylkill. 'This highly competitive state funding will make drivers and pedestrians safer in our area.' In addition, a project to replace the deteriorating Clark Street Bridge over Good Spring Creek in Donaldson was awarded $453,881 in state monies. The project is a top priority for Frailey Township officials because of the high volume of residents, employers, construction vehicles, and first responders who use this bridge, officials said. The project was also awarded $100,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund in 2024. In East Union Township, $100,000 was awarded for the township's connectivity project that will improve multiple roads within the municipality. And Butler Township has received $20,280 through PennDOT's Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancement Grant Program. The money will be used to buy radar signs to help reduce speeds and decrease the frequency and severity of motor vehicle accidents on Fairgrounds Road and Fountain Street. The signs will encourage safe driving habits and prevent accidents in the township, officials said.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Legislators announce grants for several projects in Luzerne County
Feb. 24—WILKES-BARRE — A streetscape improvement is coming to the 121st Legislative District, thanks to $200,000 in new grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski announced on Monday. The grant is one of several announced by local state legislators. The Wilkes-Barre grant provides funding for streetscape improvements along North Main Street. "Restoration and improvement to our roads and sidewalk helps to provide more accessibility to everyone in the community," said Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre. "Streetscape design improvements enable pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists to share and use the street, accommodating the needs of all users. Not only that, but it often makes the local environment more inviting, healthy, enjoyable, safe and interesting. I was proud to work to bring this funding and these improvements back to the community." Sen. Baker, Rep. Pugh announce funding for traffic improvement projects Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, and Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, announced that Courtdale and Exeter boroughs will receive a combined $500,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund. Courtdale Borough will receive $400,000 to repave 16 roads in Courtdale Borough, and Wyoming Avenue Development Group, LLC will receive $100,000 for traffic flow and pedestrian safety upgrades for a blighted, vacant lot in Exeter Borough. "Projects like those for Courtdale and Exeter boroughs address not only safety upgrades but also contribute to beautifying our district," said Pugh. "I fully support these projects and am anxious to see the improvements come to life." "This money is a big help for allowing these communities to address critical needs. People who live along these roads and those who drive them every day will certainly appreciate the upgrades,' said Baker. "State funding pushes up the timetable for completing the projects and alleviates some of the pressure on municipal budgets. I commend local officials and residents for their advocacy." Rep. Haddock secures $1M for road, pedestrian safety upgrades Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township, announced $1.07 million awarded for roadway projects in Avoca, Jenkins Township and Pittston Township. "It's important that people have safe roads to drive on and cross as pedestrians and these projects will accomplish both of those goals," said Haddock. "Sen. Marty Flynn and I work in tandem to advocate that state funding is returned to our area and today's announcement is just the latest result of our efforts." Approved were: —Avoca Borough — $405,136 to make pedestrian safety upgrades to sections of McAlpine Street. —Jenkins Township — $265,572 for roadway repairs to Chestnut and Walnut streets. —Pittston Township — $400,000 to make pavement improvements to multiple roadways. Rep. Ryncavage, Sen. Culver announce $700,000 for Wright Twp. traffic improvement project Rep. Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Town ship, and Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland, announced that Wright Township will receive $700,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund. Wright Township will use the funding for road repairs on Walden Drive. "This award is the latest in a series of funding that the 119th Legislative District has received in recent months to improve the safety of our communities," Ryncavage said. "I will not stop fighting until all projects in our community are fully funded." "Wright Township receiving this grant is welcome news," said Culver. "Moving forward, it is essential that we prioritize infrastructure investments like these, which directly address the needs of our local communities and ensure our roads are properly maintained for the future." Rep. Walsh, Sen. Argall: State grants support revitalization of downtown White Haven; improve D&L Trail Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, and Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, have announced that Phase one of a significant project to improve downtown White Haven and better connect the borough with the Delaware and Lehigh (D&L) Trail was awarded $350,000 in state funding. Once completed, this project will improve the streetscape on Main Street and connect the D&L Trail at the northern and southern ends of the borough. Proposed work includes building a multi-use 8-foot-wide trail along the east side of Main Street, a gateway over Main Street, and a small plaza with a gathering area. Additional work would include reconstructing the sidewalks, curbing, and crosswalks and making other improvements to beautify the area. Once completed, this new section of trail would fill a major missing gap in the D&L Trail's regional network. "This grant is an important step forward in the revitalization of downtown White Haven," said Walsh. "By enhancing public spaces, improving accessibility and supporting local businesses, we are investing in the community's long-term prosperity. This project will not only beautify the area but also foster a stronger sense of pride and connection among residents. I look forward to its competition and seeing the positive impact it will have on White Haven's future." "Local leaders in White Haven have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into their town, despite facing significant challenges," said Argall. "This funding is the next step in turning this dream into a reality. With their acceptance into the Blueprint Communities program, the opening of the new entrance to the D&L Trail from Lehigh Gorge State Park, and new train excursions from Jim Thorpe and other communities, I'm convinced the borough's best days are ahead!" Rep. Watro, Sen. Argall: State grants awarded for local road projects State funding totaling nearly $1 million for road projects in the Hazleton area and East Union Township, Schuylkill County, were awarded, according to Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, and Sen. David Argall, R-Pottsville. The two lawmakers played a key role in securing the grants through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Multimodal Transportation Fund. The grant awards are as follows: —Hazleton Area School District — $850,000 for construction of an access road at its North Academic Campus in Hazle Township. —East Union Township — $100,000 for connectivity improvements on multiple roads in the township. "The Hazleton Area School District is looking to expand its core campus and meet the challenges of a growing student population. The new access road will greatly improve school busing logistics, vehicular pickup and drop-off by parents, and help to reduce street congestion," Watro said. "This project will also make it possible for the district to move forward with plans for a new school building, fieldhouse and other outdoor amenities. I wholeheartedly support these grant awards." "This funding is a key piece of Hazleton Area School District's plans," said Argall. "Given the constant increase of enrolled students, this project will make the traffic flow of students, faculty, staff and parents safer. I'm grateful both projects received this highly competitive state support." Rep. Walsh announces state grants for local road projects State funding totaling nearly $435,000 for transportation infrastructure projects in the 117th Legislative District were awarded today, according to Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township. The grant awards are as follows: —Dallas Borough — $50,000 for a pedestrian safety improvement project. —Nuangola Borough — $284,700 for a road reconstruction project along North End Road. —Salem Township — $100,000 for a streetscape improvement project along Fowler Avenue. "Once the work is done, the projects will help to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians alike," Walsh said. This funding, through the CFA, was provided by the Multimodal Transportation Fund to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Harrisburg International Airport, former Harrisburg East Mall projects receive funding
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – Projects across Dauphin County are receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding. State Senator Patty Kim's office announced that the Harrisburg International Airport's Transportation Facility Repairs Project will receive $350,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now An additional $350,000 for roadway improvements for the Swatara Exchange development (formerly the Harrisburg East Mall) was also announced. Roadway improvement projects in Lower Paxton Township will receive $400,000, roadway safety improvement work in Derry Township along Hockersville Road will receive $700,000, and sidewalk work in Lower Swatara Township will receive $500,000 from the funding announced Monday. Additionally, Rekha Tolani LLC received $50,000 to improve traffic flow on Tollhouse Road and Harrisburg Pike in Londonderry Township. Kim (D-Dauphin) says she worked with Representatives Dave Madsen and Justin Flemming to support the projects. 'The projects selected are within some of the busiest, most vibrant areas of Dauphin County,' State Senator Kim said. 'Representatives Madsen, Fleming, and I are proud to work together to support these critical investments. Each of these projects strengthen our community connection and improving the quality of life for residents.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EBT awarded $80,885 for Turtle Creek Park project
Jan. 31—LEWISBURG — East Buffalo Township received more than $80,000 toward the first phase of the township's Turtle Creek Park development plan. The $80,885 was awarded to the township through the Commonwealth Financing Authority's (CFA) Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. The grant has a required 15 percent match. kAm"%96 AC@;64E :D 4@>:?8 E@86E96C[" $FA6CG:D@C r92:C y:> z?:89E D2:5] "xE'D AC@323=J 8@:?8 E@ 36 2 D:I\ E@ 6:89E\>@?E9 AC@46DD E@ 86E E9C@F89 E96 56D:8? 2?5 A6C>:EE:?8 AC@46DD]"k^Am kAm%96 %FCE=6 rC66A=2? :?4=F56D C64C62E:?8 2?5 6?=2C8:?8 2 AC6G:@FD=J 6I:DE:?8 5@8 A2CAC@G:?8 E96 A2C2E:@? 2?5 65F42E:@?2= D:8?286 H:== 2=D@ 36 :?DE2==65]k^Am kAm!2CE @7 E96 7:CDE A92D6 92D 2=C625J 366? 4@>A=6E65] (@C:?4=F565 EC66 A=2?E:?8[ 4@?DECF4E:@? @7 2 82K63@ 2?5 A2CAC@G6>6?ED[ z?:89E D2:5]k^Am kAm%96 E@H?D9:A AFC492D65 E96 AC@A6CEJ 7C@> {6H:D3FC8 p==:2?46 r9FC49 @? }@G] c[ a_aa[ 7@C Shdc[fd_ H:E9 8C2?E 7F?5:?8 AC@G:565 3J E96 !p s6A2CE>6?E @7 r@?D6CG2E:@? 2?5 }2EFC2= #6D@FC46D 2?5 %96 'hhc r92C=6D q] s686?DE6:? u@F?52E:@?] %96 AC@A6CEJ :D =@42E65 2=@?8 $FAA=66 |:== 2?5 uFC?246 C@25D ;FDE H6DE @7 #@FE6 'd :? t2DE qF772=@ %@H?D9:A] %96 =2?5 :?4=F56D 2 >:I @7 @A6? 7:6=5D[ H6E=2?5D[ H@@5=2?5D 2?5 DEC62>D]k^Am kAm{2DE J62C[ E96 E@H?D9:A 2=D@ C646:G65 S'cf[b__ 7@C E96 4@?E:?F65 56G6=@A>6?E @7 E96 A2C7C@> E96 DE2E6 s6A2CE>6?E @7 r@?D6CG2E:@? 2?5 }2EFC2= #6D@FC46D' r@>>F?:EJ r@?D6CG2E:@? !2CE?6CD9:A !C@8C2>] xE C6BF:C65 2 E@H?D9:A >2E49 @7 S'cf[b__]k^Am kAm$E2E6 $6?] v6?6 *2H[ #\ab[ 2?5 DE2E6 #6A] s2G:5 #@H6[ #\gd[ >256 4@>>6?ED E9C@F89 2 AC6A2C65 >65:2 C6=62D6 62C=:6C E9:D H66A24E @? C64C62E:@?2= @AA@CEF?:E:6D[" *2H D2:5] "x 2> A=62D65 E@ D66 E9:D :>A@CE2?E :?G6DE>6?E :? &?:@? r@F?EJ 2?5 x'> 8C2E67F= E@ #6A] #@H6 7@C 9:D 4@==23@C2E:@?]"k^Am kAm#@H6 D2:5[ "%9:D 8C2?E :D 2? 6I4:E:?8 @AA@CEF?:EJ E@ 6?92?46 @FC =@42= A2C2:=:6D[ 49:=5C6?[ 2?5 C6D:56?ED E@ 6?;@J] xE :D 2 AC:G:=686 E@ H@CH:E9 $6?] *2H :? @FC D92C65 677@CED E@ :>AC@G6 E96 BF2=:EJ @7 =:76 7@C @FC 4@?DE:EF6?ED]"k^Am kAm%96 rup H2D 6DE23=:D965 :? a__c 2D 2? :?56A6?56?E 286?4J @7 E96 s6A2CE>6?E @7 r@>>F?:EJ 2?5 t4@?@>:4 s6G6=@A>6?E WsrtsX E@ 25>:?:DE6C !6??DJ=G2?:2'D 64@?@>:4 DE:>F=FD AC@8C2>D] x? a_'a[ E96 |2C46==FD {6824J uF?5 H2D 4C62E65 2?5 5:C64E65 ?2EFC2= 82D 5C:==:?8 >@?:6D E@ E96 rup 7@C A=2??:?8[ 24BF:D:E:@?[ 56G6=@A>6?E[ C6923:=:E2E:@? 2?5 C6A2:C @7 8C66?H2JD[ C64C62E:@?2= EC2:=D[ @A6? DA246[ A2C Wv%#!X]k^Am
