Cambria Times

Grants totaling nearly $4 million have been allocated to 13 recipients in Cambria County, according to state Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. and state Rep. Jim Rigby. The funds come from the Local Share Account (LSA) and Public School Facility Improvement Grant programs.

Senator Langerholc expressed satisfaction with the funding allocation, stating, “I am pleased to see vital projects in Cambria County receive funding from the commonwealth.” He emphasized that these grants will support public projects and improve educational facilities for students in the area.

The Penn Cambria School District received a significant portion of the funding, with a $2 million grant dedicated to HVAC, plumbing, health, and safety improvements at its high school. This grant is part of the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program funded by the 2023-24 state budget.

Representative Rigby highlighted the importance of this grant for necessary renovations: “This grant will be used for renovation and engineering costs associated with the project,” he said. He noted that essential systems such as backup generators and fire alarms at the high school require replacement.

Among other beneficiaries are Cassandra Borough, awarded $89,321 for a new tractor; Clearfield Township receiving $39,500 for school zone flashing lights; Cresson Borough granted $78,199 for police equipment; Dean Township allocated $33,925 for an emergency power generator; Ferndale Borough given $38,650 for license plate readers; Gallitzin Borough Sewer and Disposal Authority obtaining $70,300 for wastewater treatment upgrades; Lilly Borough awarded $450,000 for streetscape improvements; Portage Township receiving $33,938 for medical equipment; Reade Township acquiring $134,058 for a backhoe loader; Reade Township Municipal Authority securing $400,000 for a water system storage tank; Sankertown Sewer Authority granted $275,000 for sewer system improvements; and Scalp Level Borough allocated $336,336 for stormwater drainage enhancements.

The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved these LSA grants. The authority functions as an independent agency responsible for managing funds aimed at fostering economic growth in Pennsylvania through gaming revenues.