(HARRISBURG) – Two area businesses and the County of Somerset have been awarded more than $1 million in state grants funding for projects that will improve transportation infrastructure, promote public safety and enhance economic development in the 32nd Senatorial District, according to Senator Pat Stefano (R-32) and Representative Carl Walker Metzgar (R-69).
The legislators noted the grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) through its Multi-Modal Transportation Fund. The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages
“I am pleased that our region will benefit from this much-needed state funding for important public improvements to better serve area residents and businesses,” Stefano said. “I supported these projects because they will help to contribute, create good paying jobs and improve the quality of life for those who live here.”
“These grants are investments in our community that will help the local economy and improve transportation. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to make Somerset County a better place to live,” Metzgar said. “The covered bridges are national treasures and improving them is preserving our heritage while ensuring the bridges are suitable for use well into the future.”
Projects that have received funding include:
Corsa Coal Corp., Friedens PA — $250,000 for the rehabilitation of its rail loop located in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County to provide for a safer, more efficient method of transportation. The project involves rehabilitating the rail loop at the company’s Cambria Prep Plant to allow transport of metallurgical coal to market by rail rather than by truck. Currently, the rail loop is not functional. Rehabilitation upgrades include replacing failed culverts and defective rails, spot crosstie replacement, spot track surfacing, joint maintenance, track maintenance and yard improvements.
LCT Energy, LP, Somerset PA — $500,000 for the reinstallation of railroad track and two crossings located in Shade Township, Somerset County. The reinstallation of nearly 18,000 feet of railroad track will service a permitted 400 ton/hour state of the art coal preparation facility. Additionally, the project will involve the reinstallation of an at-grade crossing at SR 1021 and the installation of an overhead crossing. The reinstallation of rail service to the site will provide a safe and efficient means to transport the coal from the plant to market. It is projected that most of the coal will be a metallurgical grade that will be shipped to overseas markets. The total project cost is $4,584,783.
County of Somerset, Somerset, PA — $269,824 for the repair of two nationally registered historic covered bridges in Brothers Valley Township and Fairhope Township, Somerset County. The Burkholder Bridge and the Pack Saddle Bridge are showing signs of rotted and damaged wood on some of the trusses. Each bridge will undergo renovations by applying field splices to the damaged areas to restore their structural integrity, safety and stability. Both bridges carry local and tourist traffic, such as vehicles, horse drawn buggies, bicyclists and pedestrians, making the need· for renovation imperative. The total project cost is $399,824.
CONTACT: Ben Wren (717) 787-7175