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Deluzio Secures $15.5 Million for Community Projects in Western Pennsylvania

March 8, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) released the following statement after he secured $15,523,279 for fifteen community projects across Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. The Congressman secured his funding when the U.S. House passed half of its annual spending bills, with Senate passage and Presidential signature expected soon. The passage of these spending measures was delayed due to multiple extensions and near-shutdowns caused by Republican infighting and attempts to attach extreme policies onto regular funding measures. 

 

Congressman Deluzio’s funding for these selected community projects will make a tangible, positive impact in the lives of his Western Pennsylvanian constituents. Taking on a wide array of issues, these projects support local community-building efforts, public safety, and quality of life across the district. 

 

“These community projects I secured from Congress are going to make life better for the good people of Western Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Deluzio. "I fought hard for this funding and am proud to deliver these federal investments in this long-awaited congressional package. The $15.5 million in funding that we passed today will go directly to things that matter to us in Western Pennsylvania: better roads and transit service, funding for cops and firefighters, parks and housing, infrastructure and business district revitalization, and more. I thank Senators Casey and Fetterman for their strong support of my funding priorities in the Senate.” 

 

These community projects were selected by Congressman Deluzio after comprehensive outreach to local groups and stakeholders. The community project funding process is coupled with stringent eligibility, ethics, and transparency requirements. 

 

The community projects put forward by Congressman Deluzio that were funded today are as follows: 

 

Community Center in Etna: $3,000,000 

 

This project will fund a sustainable, mixed-used redevelopment for the construction of a multi-municipal public library and multi-purpose community center. The center will serve the Etna Borough and neighboring communities to meet the educational, social, and economic needs of a community. It will provide access to computers, internet, affordable housing childcare, and other services to the local community. 

 

Mary Ellen Ramage, Borough of Etna Borough Manager: “Etna Borough is thrilled to partner with the Etna Community Organization to be bring back library service to our community which we lost long ago. This resource center is vital to providing opportunities for, and to, everyone in our community. We want everyone to thrive!” 

  

Megan Tuñón, Etna Community Organization Executive Director: “The Etna Center for Community was determined to be the number one priority project for Etna residents during a three-year planning process called the Etna EcoDistrict. Bringing a library and community center back to our borough will be transformational for Etna. This is the product of a lot of hard work by residents, municipal leaders, partner organizations, and elected officials, and the Etna Community Organization is so grateful to Congressman Deluzio and his staff for helping to make our community's dream a reality.” 

 

Public Drinking Water System in Darlington: $3,661,000

This funding will expand access to clean public drinking water for Darlington Township residents, just over one year after Norfolk Southern’s train derailment and chemical explosion. Currently, Darlington residents use private wells and do not have access to a public water source. This funding will provide them access to clean, public water by connecting them to nearby Beaver Falls Municipal Authority. 

 

Chairman of the Darlington Township Board of Supervisors, Mike Carreon“We are appreciative of the efforts of Senator Casey, Senator Fetterman, and Congressman Deluzio as they work to assist Darlington Township, in partnership with Beaver Falls Municipal Authority, bring public water infrastructure to the township. This infrastructure is vital in providing a source to clean safe drinking water should a future need arise.”  

 

Affordable Housing in Wilkinsburg: $1,666,279 

This project will help create a five-story, 41-unit mixed-use development called the Penn Lincoln Apartments that will bring affordable housing, retail space, and supportive services to the community’s most vulnerable populations. The Wilkinsburg community has long been underserved and has struggled with issues of vacancy and blight. Recent efforts by local leaders have begun to turn the tide, and there is growing interest among private developers and community partners on investing in Wilkinsburg. With this project located at a highly visible site in the community, this new development of secure, affordable, family-oriented housing as well as accompanying supportive services will help uplift Wilkinsburg’s local economy and residents. 

 

ACTION-Housing Inc.’s Executive Director, Larry Swanson: “The Wilkinsburg Affordable Housing proposal is a mixed-use development led by ACTION-Housing, Inc. in collaboration with community-based partner Hosanna House. The project will remediate blight and return a long-vacant site to its historic role as an important commercial gateway for Wilkinsburg, while providing safe, secure, affordable housing and supportive services to the community’s most vulnerable populations. It represents a unique opportunity to build on the neighborhood’s recent development momentum while addressing critical affordable housing needs. 

“As the affordable housing crisis grows and projects like this become increasingly complex and difficult to fund, support from and partnerships with our elected officials are even more vital for a project’s success. We applaud Representative Deluzio’s leadership on the issue of affordable housing and thank him for his support in garnering the critical resources needed to make projects like this a reality.” 

 

 

West View Borough Revitalization: $1,000,000 

The revitalization proposal will improve ADA accessibility, multi-modal transportation, and walkability for residents and students in the West View community to get where they need to go. It will also reconstruct a new fire station, create a community plaza, and support streetscaping designs throughout the community. This project will better support local fire response services, improve pedestrian safety for kids walking to school at the local elementary school at the north side of downtown, and promote a safe and sustainable local economy that is diverse and inclusive. 

 

J.R. Henry, Mayor of West View Borough: “West View Borough thanks Congressman Deluzio for his support of West View Borough’s request for a Community Project Funding. The approval of the Community Project Funding would help West View Borough in its ongoing efforts to revitalize our local business district. We are attempting to enhance and create a welcoming and attractive environment that will benefit our residents and attract new businesses to West View Borough. The approval of these grant funds would have a tremendous positive impact on our local economy and contribute to the overall growth, development, and sustainability of West View Borough.” 
  

 

Quaker Valley School District Safe Routes to School: $850,000 

This project will support Quaker Valley School District’s (QVSD) goal of widening the intersection of Camp Meeting Road and Beaver Street, located within Leetsdale Borough to improve visibility, traffic control, and pedestrian safety. The project also supports the construction of two paved pedestrian and walking paths from the intersection to the lower entrance of the high school property. At this time, there is no designated pedestrian or bicycle paths in this area of Beaver Street, and this will allow students and community members to more safely access the school grounds. This project is part of a larger a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the school district and the community in support of the construction of the new QVSD High School. 

 

Quaker Valley School District Superintendent, Dr. Tammy A. Andreyko: “Quaker Valley School District is grateful for the support and advocacy of Rep. Chris Deluzio. The funding provided through House appropriations to improve Camp Meeting Road and its intersection with Beaver Street in Leetsdale Borough will enhance safety and accessibility for our new high school and our community at large. These improvements will allow this vital project to take shape, while also making accessibility a priority for the region. This endeavor reflects not only the District’s enthusiasm for this significant project, but also Rep. Deluzio’s commitment to continuing to build a safer, more connected, environment for all residents and visitors.” 

 

 

Penn Hills Old William Penn Highway Rehabilitation: $800,000 

This funding will immediately repair a partially collapsed section of Old William Penn Highway and stave off further collapse and structural failure. The rehabilitation of the road is supported by residents, local businesses and commuters. Old William Penn Highway also serves as a main artery in the region, connecting Penn Hills to Route 376 as well as to the Sri Venkateswara Temple, a major Hindu temple in the region with thousands of members. 

 

Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese: “Congressman Deluzio is delivering much-needed funds to repair an important artery that connect a large portion of Penn Hills to Route 376. Penn Hills Municipality is grateful to Congressman Deluzio’s office for being proactive and securing this funding.” 

 

 

West Deer Fire Station Renovation: $750,000 

This project will renovate an existing vacant commercial structure for use as a fire station in West Deer. The previous fire station was in need of major repairs and was no longer adequate to meet the needs of the growing community. This investment will provide basic public safety services and allow the West Deer Volunteer Fire Department to meet several currently unmet public safety needs that were identified through recent community surveys and studies. This region has experienced rapid growth that has put a strain on the current level of public safety services. 

 

Fire Chief Josh Wiegand, West Deer Twp VFC # 3: “The firefighters at West Deer Township VFC #3 are very grateful for this opportunity. This community project funding will be used to complete the transition of an existing commercial building into a modern public safety facility to serve the community of West Deer for decades. As West Deer Township continues to see rapid growth and development, it is vitally important to address the increased demand for essential public safety services. We would like to thank the Congressman and his staff for selecting our project and assisting us with the application process.” 

 

 

Fairhaven Community Development in Kennedy Twp: $600,000 

This project will create a new walking trail in Fairhaven that includes lights, playground, and age-appropriate exercise equipment in a historic location to attract park goers, families, nature observers and recreators. It will offer the diverse community a safe, accessible, policed, and upgraded green space to enjoy, exercise, and build community. 

 

Kennedy Township Manager, Gregory Clarke: “With the appreciated support of Congressman Chris Deluzio, upgrades to Kennedy Twp. Fairhaven Park, will provide active and passive, recreational green space opportunities, contributing to the health and wellness to our local communities.” 

 

 

Pittsburgh Regional Transit Dormont Junction Station Improvement Project: $500,000 

This improvement project will upgrade the Dormont Junction light rail station’s amenities to better serve the hundreds of daily riders who come through the station. The project will enhance all station amenities, encourage ridership growth, and support the Borough’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) initiative for this area. This includes bringing the station into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and replacing the station canopy as well as adding pedestrian amenities, safety features, new benches, waste receptacles, wayfinding signage, landscaping, bicycle racks, and LED lighting upgrades. The project is needed to create a safer and more welcoming station (particularly for pedestrian access), while incorporating future plans for sustainable and equitable TOD adjacent to the site. 

 

Pittsburgh Regional Transit CEO, Katharine Kelleman: "This funding is not just about refurbishing a station along the Red Line, it's a testament to our commitment to fostering a safer, more accessible, and welcoming transit experience. And with the potential to create equitable transit-oriented development next door, this project holds the promise of transforming the physical landscape and igniting economic vitality and community cohesion. On behalf of our partners at Dormont Borough and PennDOT District 11, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Congressman Deluzio for his steadfast advocacy in securing this vital funding. His dedication to our shared vision of inclusive and sustainable transit has been instrumental in propelling this project forward." 

 

 

PennDOT SR 68, Virginia Avenue/Adams Street Upgrades: $500,000 

This project will support highway reconstruction on SR 68 from Virginia Avenue to Adams Street in Rochester Borough, Beaver County. This project will improve driving experience by removing the existing brick base underneath the asphalt roadway and extending the pavement life through this corridor. The project scope of work includes full reconstruction of the existing roadway, guide rail updates, drainage adjustments, curb replacement, traffic signal upgrades, and signing and pavement marking updates. 

 

PennDOT Secretary of Transportation, Mike Carroll: “Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Deluzio for Route 68 in Beaver County is essential to keep this major infrastructure improvement moving forward. The pavement and signal upgrades on this heavily traveled corridor through Rochester township and borough will provide motorists with a reliable and safe roadway for years to come.” 

 

 

Borough of Coraopolis for Waterline Replacement: $800,000 

The project will help replace aging roadway infrastructure along School Street in Coraopolis. The existing roadway and water system underneath is in need of repair. The Borough is proposing a joint effort with the Coraopolis Water and Sewer Authority, as the owner/operator of waterline facilities, to use the roadway construction opportunity to also replace the existing lead joint water main. In addition to improving a key traffic route for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the proposed project will comply with regulatory objectives to remove lead pipes from drinking water systems. Lead pipes can contaminate drinking water, and since exposure to lead is especially dangerous to children’s healthy development, the removal of these pipes is an important public health priority for the community. The proposed project will help ease costs for ratepayers and customers of the Coraopolis Water and Sewer Authority by avoiding future rate increases for taxpayers to cover the costs of these repairs and upgrades. 

 

Coraopolis Borough Manager, Raymond McCutcheon: “Coraopolis Borough is proposing replacement of aging infrastructure along School Street to include removal of lead piping materials in direct contact with drinking water, roadway reconstruction, sidewalk replacement and installation of ADA ramps. The proposed project is necessary to address potential water system contaminants and improve vehicle and pedestrian routes. This will be an important improvement to Coraopolis’ infrastructure and continued improvement to our community.” 

 

Scott Twp. Police Dept. Equipment: $700,000 

This project will allow the Scott Township Police Department to purchase a mobile command center to respond to larger scale incidents and community events. Scott Township PD has experienced serious public safety incidents in the past and did not have access to a mobile command center. The addition of this resource to the Department would allow officers to more effectively and safely respond to large incidents and disturbances. In addition to Scott Township using the mobile command center, the Police Department will share the center available with surrounding agencies, as needed. 

 

Scott Township Chief of Police, Matthew Podsiadly: “Scott Township and the Scott Township Police Department would like to thank Congressman Deluzio for his support in funding our project. The funding will be utilized to obtain a mobile command post and related equipment for use in critical incidents and large scale, multijurisdictional operations. This equipment will be a huge benefit to the Township, all South Hills Council of Government (COG) agencies (23 communities), and immediate surrounding communities not involved in the COG by supporting operations which may require command functions of a major incident or emergency.”

 

 

Borough of Sharpsburg for Stormwater Infrastructure: $132,000 

This project will allow the Borough of Sharpsburg to develop a design and engineering infrastructure plan to protect the community from the dangers of stormwater and sewage flooding or overflow. It is estimated that the construction of a significant green/gray combination infrastructure project in Sharpsburg's Kennedy Park, saving significant stormwater (approximately 714,000 gallons) from hitting the combined sewer system and providing substantial flood risk relief for a large portion of the community. This water management will also create more opportunities for local economic development thanks to reduced flood exposure of homes and businesses in the area and improve the quality of life for people who utilize the park, by adding native plants, pollinators, and shade to the space. 

 

Christine DeRunk, Borough Manager, Borough of Sharpsburg: “On behalf of the Mayor and Borough Council of Sharpsburg Borough, who have supported and championed this stormwater project wholeheartedly, I would like to thank Rep. Deluzio for his role in requesting funds for our community. The funds will be used to design and engineer a transformative stormwater management project to be built under Kennedy Park. When completed, the project will allow the Borough to significantly mitigate repetitive flooding in areas of town that include critical infrastructure. This project is a game-changer and will increase safety for residents and business owners and reduce damage to property during weather events. We are thrilled to receive this funding.” 

 

Wilkinsburg Police Dept. Equipment: $514,000 

This project will allow the Wilkinsburg Police Department to upgrade their outdated officer body-worn cameras to the latest technology on the market and will also expand the current network of surveillance and traffic camera systems to provide coverage to the entire Borough. The requested funding will greatly improve the department's ability to respond to and prevent crime in more areas across Wilkinsburg, including near local schools. Improved public safety in the area will also help support community and economic development efforts within the borough.    

 

Wilkinsburg Chief of Police, Ophelia Coleman: “The Wilkinsburg Police Department is a vital part of the Wilkinsburg community, not only to enforce the law, preventing crime and providing emergency response and support services. It’s important that we continue to nurture a relationship of trust and transparency between the community and the member of WPD. It is also important to us that we have the proper and adequate equipment and infrastructure to execute our mission statement. 

 

“Congressman Deluzio understands what is necessary to address the quality-of-life issues that plaque a community like Wilkinsburg and others. Congressman Deluzio is a visionary. His approach is authentic and intentional. We are Blessed to have him in this position and we can’t thank him enough for his role in requesting these funds for our police department which in turn helps the community.” 

 

Harmar Twp. Police Dept. Cruiser: $50,000 

This funding will replace six cameras inside Harmar Police Department cruisers that are outdated and no longer working properly. The funds would be used to purchase in-car video/audio recording cameras for the Harmar Township Police Department's fleet of patrol vehicles. Harmar experiences a significant number of visitors due to the presence of several major highways passing through the Township. Having these cameras will help the Police Department better collect and record evidence, as well as maintain the public's trust in law enforcement. 

 

Jason Domaratz, Harmar Police Chief: “The Harmar Township Police Department would like to thank Congressman Chris Deluzio with assisting this department in finding funding for an outdated police cruiser. A reliable police vehicle is a very important in the protection of the people of the community and visitors of the community.” 

 

 

These projects are funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, a package of six domestic funding bills focused on helping families and communities across the United States that the House of Representatives passed today. The investments in the bill will help families with the cost of living, create and sustain good-paying jobs, and help people in need. 

 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 funds six crucial departments within the federal government, which include: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies; and Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

 

A detailed summary of the legislation is available here(link is external)

 

The remaining six appropriations bills for fiscal year 2024 are expected to be released in the coming days and be voted on ahead of their expiration on March 22. 

  

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