County’s municipalities to share $4.5 million in state funds
Municipalities across Butler County received more than $4.5 million recently thanks to state funding from a Local Share Account program.
The funding for a multitude of key infrastructure projects was announced in several news releases on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from the offices of state Reps. Marci Mustello, R-11, Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th, and Tim Bonner, R-17th, and state Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., R-47th.
“I was happy to advocate for these funds — they are taxpayer dollars, after all, and are being rightfully returned to their source,” Scialabba said in a news release. “It is excellent to see these worthwhile local projects receive a boost from state funding.”
The southwestern part of the county — including Evans City, Zelienople, Mars and Jackson Township — were granted funding to shore up potential financial constraints for ongoing projects.
Evans City was given $600,000 to address flooding issues caused by an outdated stormwater system. The money will be used toward relocating utilities and installing five new outfalls and associated storm sewers that tie into the existing storm sewer systems.
“Kudos to the elected officials of Evans City,” said Jerry Andree, the facilitator of the Southwest Butler Stormwater planning group. “They have really put their arms around the stormwater issue and have been laser-focused on addressing that age-old problem that’s been neglected for decades.”
Meanwhile, Zelienople officials received $600,000 to improve the Main Street Parklet, which will add seating, sidewalks and space for large public events.
Mars will receive $500,000 to replace an old cast iron waterline that serves 19 housing units on Crowe Avenue between the borough border and Pittsburgh Street.
Jackson Township will get $472,095 for a trail connection from the Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School and Zelienople Park into Swampoodle Park in Harmony, according to a news release.
“All of those projects represent the value of collaboration,” Andree said. “This is an exciting validation of the value of people working together.”
Municipalities in Mustello’s district also are receiving necessary funds for community projects. Chicora is getting $230,000 for a backhoe loader, Clearfield Township is receiving $493,000 repave Herman Road and Donegal Township is getting $202,705 for winter road maintenance equipment.
Meanwhile, Oakland Township will utilize $500,000 for a new municipal complex, and Jefferson Township will use $250,000 to improve its community pool.
Saxonburg received $85,111 for public restroom improvements at Roebling Park; Summit Township will take in $105,300 for a track loader; and Winfield Township will get $99,615 for a playground surface upgrade at the community park.
“Investing in our communities is an investment in our future,” Mustello said in the release. “These grants will help improve infrastructure, support local projects and create opportunities for economic growth across the 11th District.”
Funding to Bonner’s district includes two areas in the county, including $285,000 to the Bear Creek Watershed Authority for installation of emergency generators at four sewage treatment plants and $28,485 for the Butler County Community Development Corporation to purchase police equipment upgrades.
