Beaver County News

Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. has announced the allocation of over $10 million in state grants for water infrastructure, arts, and culture projects in Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties. The grants, awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), will support a total of 28 projects.

The funding will contribute to the improvement of water infrastructure in the region, ensuring the proper removal and treatment of wastewater, as well as providing access to clean drinking water for residents. Senator Vogel emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, "Continuing to invest in our water infrastructure allows our communities to ensure local wastewater can properly and efficiently be removed and treated as well as provide our residents access to clean drinking water."

Additionally, a portion of the grants will support arts and culture recovery in the area. Museums and theaters will receive funding for maintenance and operating costs, enabling them to remain open and continue providing learning and entertainment opportunities for families. Senator Vogel highlighted the significance of this funding, stating, "The funding being awarded for arts and culture recovery in our area aids our museums and theaters with maintenance and operating costs which allows them to remain open and provide learning and entertainment opportunities for our families."

The grants are divided into three categories: the H2O PA Program, the PA Small Water and Sewer (SWS) Program, and the PA Arts and Culture Recovery (PARC) Program. Ten grants will be funded through the H2O PA Program, which is supported by the federal COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The H2O PA Program provides grants for the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer projects, as well as flood control projects and the repair or rehabilitation of unsafe dams.

Fifteen grants will be funded through the PA Small Water and Sewer (SWS) Program, also supported by federal COVID-19 ARPA funds. The SWS Program provides grants for small water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects. Municipalities and municipal authorities that own and maintain public water supplies, sanitary sewers, or stormwater systems are eligible to apply for these grants.

Lastly, three grants will be funded through the PA Arts and Culture Recovery (PARC) Program, which aims to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local arts and culture districts, and arts and culture professionals in Pennsylvania. The PARC Program was established to ensure the stability and recovery of the state's arts and culture sector from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These grants demonstrate the commitment of the Pennsylvania government to invest in critical infrastructure and support the arts and culture sector. By addressing water infrastructure needs and providing financial assistance to arts and culture organizations, the grants will contribute to the overall well-being and development of the communities in Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties.

For further information, please contact Abby Chiumento at 717-787-3076.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.senatoreldervogel.com/2023/12/19/vogel-announces-over-10-million-for-water-infrastructure-arts-and-culture-projects-in-beaver-butler-and-lawrence-counties/