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In this Update:
$4.5 Million in State Funding for Wastewater Improvements
This week the Mid Mon-Valley Water Pollution Control Authority received a $4.1 million low-interest loan and a $400,000 grant to replace wastewater system components that are at the end of their useful life. The project will reduce the inflow and infiltration. It will also eliminate sewer overflows by updating three pump stations. Upgrades will involve demolition of the existing control buildings for the pump stations and construction of a new structure above the wet well to include a valve room, generator and control room. The pumps, meters and valves will also be upgraded. The existing wet well at one of the pump stations will be reconstructed. Families can’t bear the full cost of the system replacement, so this funding will be instrumental – especially because the families impacted have a household income lower than the state average. With the upgrades, the system will be more reliable, which ultimately provides greater protection from the costs associated with sewer back-ups into homes, which aren’t typically covered by homeowner’s insurance. Currently, the system serves 950 residential customers with a population of 2,185. The 20-year loan has a 1% interest rate. It will provide the grant-equivalent of more than $1.4 million throughout the life of the loan. PENNVEST approved the funding at its board meeting today. The state’s PENNVEST Program provides low-interest loans and grants for the design, engineering and construction of drinking water distribution facilities, stormwater conveyance and wastewater treatment and collection systems. Chartiers Township Receives Grant for Park Upgrades
I was thrilled to present a $240,000 grant to Chartiers Township in Washington County for upgrades at Arnold Community Park, located in the heart of the township. This Community Recreation and Conservation Planning Grant awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will focus on the baseball fields along with updating the parking lot, access road, and sidewalks to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Congratulations are in order for the township officials for their work and continuing to encourage recreational activities and a healthier lifestyle for the residents. Pictured with me from left to right is Harlen Shober [Board of Supervisors Vice Chair], Jodi Noble [Township Manager], Bronwyn Maggi-Kolovich [Board of Supervisors Chair], and Frank Wise [Board of Supervisors] Thank you, Erica
This weekend marks the conclusion of the 2024 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Erica Teagarden’s reign, and I want to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU. Erica has brought honor and grace to the role and should be commended on all her accomplishments over the past year. Erica is the daughter of Chad and Bobbie Jo Teagarden of Claysville, Washington County, and is currently a student at Penn State University in the College of Agricultural Sciences. In addition, Erica serves as a Junior Advisory Board Member for the Pennsylvania Farm Show. In the Summer of 2023, The Washington County Agricultural Fair, Inc. celebrated their 225th Anniversary and as part of the kick-off, Erica was crowned Fair Queen. This achievement provided her a gold ticket to compete at the State Fair Queen contest in Hershey last January. With a wonderful support system and a solid determination, Erica was crowned the 2024 PA State Fair Queen. Since that day, she has represented all that is wonderful of about our fairs – agriculture, tourism, education, and family. I crossed paths with Erica many times in the 46th Senatorial District this past year, as well as a few times in Harrisburg. Erica and the entire PA Fair Queen Program has many wonderful achievements, including their inaugural PA Fair Queen Advocacy Day that was held last fall in Harrisburg, of which I was proud to be part of. Dear Erica – whether at the State Farm Show, at a parade, or on the Capitol steps, you wore your title with great pride and for that I am forever grateful. Congratulations on a successful year and best wishes for the future. Good Luck to our Fair Queens
This weekend in Hershey marks the annual PA Fairs & Showmen Convention. The 46th Senatorial District is very lucky to have four fairs that are the gold standard. I am always very proud of the dedicated leaders, volunteers, and exhibitors of our fairs. As part of the convention, the annual State Fair Queen contest is held and once again this year our fairs are supremely represented. Over the last few days, the contestants have participated in many activities with Queens from across the Commonwealth. I want to take this opportunity to send my best wishes to the Greene County Fair Queen, Ms. Eryka Hackney, Jacktown Fair Queen, Ms. Emmaline Beazell, West Alexander Fair Queen, Ms. Allee Hoover, and The Washington County Agricultural Fair Queen, Ms. Faith Ealy. You are all winners in my book. Statewide Row Officers Begin Serving PA
Congratulations to new PA Attorney General Dave Sunday and reelected PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity and PA Auditor General Tim DeFoor on their inaugurations on Tuesday. My colleagues and I stand ready to work together to move our commonwealth forward. As the state’s top law enforcement official, the attorney general works to protect and serve citizens and agencies of the commonwealth. The position is served by several hundred prosecutors, attorneys, investigators, agents and support staff. The Treasury Department is the custodian of more than $160 billion in state funds and oversees all withdrawals and deposits from state agencies. It also administers programs, including the PA 529 college and career savings plan, that help families prepare for the future. In her first term, Garrity returned record amounts of unclaimed property and reduced fees multiple times for PA 529 and PA ABLE, which is a program that gives individuals with qualifying disabilities a tax-advantaged way to save without impacting their government benefits. The auditor general is the state’s fiscal watchdog. The role is tasked with ensuring state government lives within its means and every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely. In addition to completing nearly 4,000 legally required audits per year, DeFoor also conducted several high-profile performance audits during his first four years in office. The audits determine how state government programs are working and ensure tax dollars are being spent appropriately. Free Webinar on Jan. 30 to Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding a free virtual webinar to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. It will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. During the webinar, a PHEAA expert will present information about the financial aid application process, the types of aid available and strategies about affordability to consider before applying for postsecondary school admission. A question-and-answer session will be held following the hour-long presentation. Register to attend the webinar, which is open to all ages. Assistance Available for Local Historic Preservation
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations and local governments for the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program. The grants support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for the benefit of public and community revitalization. Two categories of grants – construction and planning – are available for historic resources in Pennsylvania that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants may apply for only one type of grant. Learn more and apply online by March 3. Winter Emergency Travel Kit Tips
Winter travel can bring extended traffic stops. You can ensure your safety and comfort by packing an emergency travel kit. Be sure to include a blanket, ice scraper, flashlight, warm clothing and gloves, sand, jumper cables, cellphone charger, small shovel, first aid kit, water and nonperishable food. A printable winter emergency kit list from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is available here. Your winter emergency kit should also include the personal items you need to accommodate the family members who travel with you, such as special medication, baby supplies and pet food. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Human trafficking often goes hand in hand with violence and social issues. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Technology, the desire for connection and lack of financial stability all play key roles in the most common ways human trafficking begins. By looking out for those around us, we can help to prevent exploitation before it happens. While the new legislative session just began, Senate Republicans passed multiple bills last session to help people who were victims of human trafficking. One law ensures that sexually exploited children who are human trafficking victims always have full access to appropriate services and support. Another subjects individuals convicted of certain human trafficking offenses to the same reporting and evaluation requirements as any other sexual offender.
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