State Senator Gene Yaw and State Representative Clint Owlett announced that over $2 million in state funding has been allocated to various projects in Bradford and Tioga counties. The funds were approved at a Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) meeting through the Local Share Account (LSA) statewide program, Flood Mitigation Program (FMP), and Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP).
Senator Yaw stated, “The awards announced today will be incredibly impactful for our communities by funding important economic development, infrastructure, public safety and recreation projects. Local governments often operate with tight budgets, and these investments will make a real difference. I’m thankful to Rep. Owlett for working with me to secure this funding.”
Representative Owlett added, “These grants represent key investments in our communities, from flood mitigation efforts and other safety improvements to purchasing necessary equipment to maintain our infrastructure. I commend our local officials for their work in making these projects happen and appreciate the opportunity to work with Sen. Yaw to bring this funding back to our district.”
Projects funded in Bradford County include the purchase of a mini excavator for Burlington Township ($221,800) and a generator for Troy Borough ($76,566). In Tioga County, allocations include purchases of equipment such as a backhoe for Knoxville Borough ($113,550), a mini excavator and trailer for Morris Township ($121,069), generators and truck for Richmond Township Municipal Authority ($36,261), as well as additional support for Mansfield Flood Mitigation Project ($235,000). Other awards went toward fire station upgrades in Tioga County Development Corporation ($292,000), road maintenance equipment for Tioga Township (roller: $172,000; tractor: $194,022), security cameras ($38,615) and sidewalk revitalization ($182,613) in Westfield Borough.
Tioga County also received $265,280 from the FMP specifically earmarked for Phase I of the Mansfield Flood Mitigation Project. An additional $150,000 was granted through the GTRP for Phase II of Island Park Sports and Recreation Improvements Project in Blossburg Borough.
In response to the announcement of these awards: “On behalf of our local municipalities and residents, we the board of Tioga County Commissioners extend our sincere thanks to Sen. Yaw and Rep. Owlett for their strong support in securing these important state investments for our townships and boroughs. These funding awards will have a meaningful and lasting impact by supporting critical infrastructure improvements, public safety enhancements, flood mitigation efforts and recreational projects across our communities. Local governments often face significant financial constraints, and the leadership and advocacy shown by Sen. Yaw and Rep. Owlett help ensure our municipalities have the resources needed to serve residents effectively and responsibly. We are grateful for their continued commitment to rural communities and for working collaboratively to bring these dollars back to Tioga County.”
Funds distributed under the LSA originate from gaming revenues collected under Pennsylvania’s Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 71 of 2004). This act allows gaming revenue distribution via CFA toward community-benefiting projects throughout Pennsylvania.
The GTRP along with FMP are established under Act 13 of 2012—also known as the Marcellus Legacy Fund—which directs funds towards greenway development as well as park rehabilitation within Pennsylvania.
Both legislators emphasized that natural gas development continues providing direct benefits across local communities through programs like these.
For more information on state-related matters or project details constituents can visit www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or www.RepOwlett.com.
