Burns issues statement about grant for Bishop McCort gym floor

Rep. Frank Burns    May 5, 2026 | 1:47 PM

JOHNSTOWN, May 5 — State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, issued the following statement today about state approval of a $178,500 grant to replace an aging gym floor at Bishop McCort:

“In order for Bishop McCort to apply for state funding, they had to demonstrate that the gym serves a public purpose and is used for community recreational opportunities. The school hosts a basketball league for up to 15 school districts, wrestling tournaments and clinics, an annual cheerleading competition, summer youth camps, and a space to hold various community fundraising events – all of which are open for public participation. If that doesn’t meet the definition of ‘public use,’ I don’t know what would.

“As such, it was determined that this project met the parameters of the Local Share Account Program and was unanimously approved by the bipartisan board of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. 

“I supported this grant application because it’s my job to bring home our share of state dollars, which I’ve done to the tune of $415 million since taking office. I help all the schools in the 72^nd District find the resources they need to serve our communities. In the past eight years, I’ve announced over $39 million in state grants to local public schools, on top of the vast increases in the state budget for public education. It’s about the students.”

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