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Conklin: $224,300 secured for District 77 park and environmental projects

(Nov 13, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 13 – Two grants totaling $224,300 from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will fund playground improvements for Ferguson Township and the installation of riparian buffers along part of the Susquehanna River Watershed in Centre County, Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding includes $124,600 to Ferguson Township for improvements to Autumnwood Park. “The new funding will allow the township to rehab the playground by adding new play equipment, safety surfacing, ADA accessibility and related improvements,” Conklin said. “It’s a great enhancement for a well-loved community gathering place.” Conklin said a second grant of $99,700 to ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA would fund installation of riparian forest buffers. “Riparian buffers planted along our waterways help protect water quality by filtering out pesticides and sediment from runoff,” Conklin said. “They also help prevent erosion and benefit wildlife and delicate ecosystems. Thanks to the new funding, ClearWater Conservancy will be able to install six acres of riparian forest buffers to help protect and preserve our precious Susquehanna River Watershed.” The funding comes from the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports projects to develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces and protect vital natural habitats. Read more

 

Conklin: $3.5 million secured for Central Intermediate Unit 10 administrative offices project

(Nov 02, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Nov. 1 – New grant funding of $3.5 million from the Redevelopment Capitol Assistance Program will support work on new administrative offices for Central Intermediate Unit 10, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the grant would fund major renovation work at the 1.8-acre site of the former Philipsburg-Osceola Junior High School. “We were glad to see CIU 10 secure the Sixth Street site, which provides a perfect, centralized location for administrative offices that will serve the unit’s three-county region,” Conklin said. “The former school’s gymnasium remains on the property, and work will focus on razing or renovating the building to create new administrative offices and training space. “Thanks to the new funding, that work – and related installation of new sidewalks, curbing and green space – will move forward. It’s going to be exciting seeing the project take shape.” The RACP funds design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. Read more

 

State lawmakers highlight nearly $18 million to fund Erie County projects

(Nov 01, 2024) Northwest Delegation

“The funding awarded today brings the promise of major change and revitalization for Erie and our entire region,” said Merski, who represents portions of the city of Erie, Greene, Harborcreek and Summit townships and Wesleyville borough. “The grants fund projects that are truly transformative, from the construction of two new hotels to accommodate the influx in tourism to our region, to a brand-new veterinary center at the Erie Zoo, and a cutting-edge Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness. We are seeing the transformation of our region in real time.” Read more

 

Statement from state Reps. Bizzarro, Merski and Harkins regarding Erie County voting

(Oct 30, 2024) Northwest Delegation

"We are committed to ensuring that all of our constituents in Erie County – Democrat, Republican, or Independent – have the information they need to vote and participate in our democracy. Our primary concern is holding free and fair elections, and always making sure that people’s voting rights are preserved and protected." Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $500,000 secured for high school roof replacement

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 23 – New grant funding of $490,692 will support a project to replace deteriorated roof sections at Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High School, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin said the grant – secured through the Commonwealth Financing Authority – will help fund work to replace multiple aging roof sections that are failing and allowing moisture to intrude. “The new funds will help the school district move forward with much-needed work to the high school’s roof, sections of which are more than 30 years old and well past their serviceable life,” Conklin said. “Components are failing and allowing moisture in, and the school needs to move forward with replacement and restoration work to prevent building damage and slipping hazards. I’m glad the new funding will help make that happen.” Conklin said the funding was awarded through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. Administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority, the program provides funding to public school districts and career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. Grants are available for eligible improvement projects with a total project cost of $500,000 or more and may not exceed $5 million for any project. Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $673,000 secured to support District 77 equipment needs, building renovations, performing arts center project

(Oct 23, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 22 – New grant funding of $672,400 will help municipalities and other groups in the 77 th Legislative District purchase needed equipment, renovate and repair public buildings, and help fund design and planning of a new performing arts center, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. “The new funding will help our townships and other district organizations meet a wide range of practical needs, from medical equipment for our first responders to accessible transportation to building renovations,” Conklin said. “Some of the funding will also help lay the groundwork for a new performing arts center to draw more visitors to our growing downtown arts district.” Conklin said eight separate grants awarded from the Local Share Account program include: Nearly $162,000 to Rush Township, including $103,985 for a new brush truck for Mountain Top Fire Department and $57,861 for township maintenance equipment including two plows, a vibratory roller, a pressure washer and a tilt trailer. $118,891 to Halfmoon Township, including $82,385 to allow Port Matilda EMS to replace its existing 18-year-old, high-mileage para transit van with a newer, more reliable vehicle and $36,505 to allow Port Matilda EMS to purchase a power-lift stretcher. $105,750 to the State College Borough Redevelopment Authority to allow the Nittany Performing Arts Centre to begin design and engineering work for a 200-seat Read more

 

Harkins, Merski: Over $1.4M secured to bolster broadband for Erie community

(Oct 10, 2024) Northwest Delegation

ERIE, Oct. 10 – Underscoring their unrelenting commitment to delivering for Erie, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, proudly announce the acquisition of $1,443,817 in grant funding aimed at significantly enhancing broadband access for the Erie community. This substantial funding marks a pivotal step in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all residents have the reliable, high-speed internet connectivity they deserve. “In today's world, broadband is not a luxury; it's a necessity. This grant ensures that our community will not be left behind in the digital age,” Harkins said. “Together, we are building bridges towards opportunity and strengthening the bonds of our community.” The Erie Regional Library Foundation was awarded $943,817 that will be earmarked toward renovating the children’s library. Additionally, Erie's Black Wall Street was awarded $500,000 for the Project Cornerstone initiative, which aims to revitalize a property into a multi-functional community center. Merski said, “With this investment, we are opening doors to countless opportunities in education, business, and healthcare for the people of Erie. “This grant is a game-changer, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our constituents' lives.” The grants, which are part of a broader initiative to improve Read more

 

House Commerce Committee approves Conklin resolution calling on PIAA to hold separate playoffs for public and private schools

(Oct 02, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – The Pennsylvania House Commerce Committee on Tuesday advanced a resolution by Majority Chairman Scott Conklin urging the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to establish separate playoffs and championships for public schools and private/charter schools. Conklin said he introduced H.R. 443 to encourage the PIAA to reform a system that gives private school athletes an unfair advantage over their public school counterparts, both on the field and beyond. “Unlike public schools, which must recruit student athletes from within their district’s geographic boundaries, private and charter schools can hand-select the best athletes from anywhere they choose,” Conklin said. “The result is that they end up with all-star teams and a deeply unfair advantage over public schools. “The impact goes far beyond a win or a loss. It leaves public school athletes behind when it comes to important life opportunities like scholarships and recruitment for college and pro sports. Public school is supposed to be about opening doors for students and teaching them the importance of fair play, and PIAA needs to help reinforce those lessons. “The association has the authority to make this change. It’s my hope that this resolution will bring them closer to doing so.” The committee approved the resolution by a vote of 24-1. Read more

 

Conklin highlights bills at Capitol news conference to combat domestic violence

(Oct 01, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – As Pennsylvania and the nation begin observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, state Rep. Scott Conklin held a Capitol news conference today to highlight legislation he has introduced to prevent domestic abuse and protect survivors. Conklin, D-Centre, discussed his bill that would allow electronic monitoring of domestic abusers and his newly introduced legislation that would bar convicted abusers from holding public office. “The statistics involving domestic violence are grim,” Conklin said. “According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women, one in four men and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience this abuse in their lifetime. Sometimes, that abuse will turn deadly. Worse still, the statistics have been moving in the wrong direction.” Conklin discussed how a friend’s murder prompted him to introduce H.B. 1982 , which would permit the use of electronic ankle bracelets to monitor the movements of someone with a protection from abuse order. “My long-time family friend – Traci Ann Raymond – was stalked and murdered by her estranged husband,” Conklin said. “If she had had more warning regarding his presence, Traci might still be alive today.” Conklin also discussed his newly introduced legislation – H.B. 2580 – that would prohibit those convicted of domestic violence from Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $2 million secured to boost Centre County criminal justice programs, supports and services for survivors

(Sep 18, 2024) Rep. Robert Matzie

STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 18 – Nearly $2 million in grant funding is coming to bolster Centre County’s criminal justice system, expand services and programs for crime victims and at-risk youth, and support crime-prevention measures, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will support a wide range of programs and services for the region. “The new funding will allow the county and area organizations to bolster crime prevention, expand services for victims, assess needs for at-risk youth and provide drug treatment and other services to help folks transition back to the community,” Conklin said. “Some of the new funding will also allow the public defender’s office to add caseworker services that can help folks with mental health, intellectual disabilities or substance use disorder access needed services. “They’re investments that are going to help people heal and put people back on a path to a better life.” The funding includes: $750,000 to Pennsylvania State University for oversight/administration of the 2025 and 2027 Pennsylvania Youth Surveys. $577,197 to Centre Safe to expand services for survivors of sexual or domestic violence. $220,833 to the Centre County Commissioners for the Public Defender Caseworker Program. $130,625 to Pennsylvania State University for maintenance Read more

 

KOZ program Rep. Burns spearheaded bears fruit in Cambria County

(Sep 13, 2024) Northwest Delegation

EBENSBURG, Sept. 13 – State Rep. Frank Burns, who spearheaded creation of 375 acres of Keystone Opportunity Zone in Cambria County by ensuring it was included in the 2019 state budget, is commending county and school district officials’ recent actions to take advantage of the job-creating program. Burns, D-Cambria, said the Cambria County commissioners and Central Cambria School District board of directors have agreed to the required temporary tax relief in exchange for business development of KOZ acreage in Elder and Cambria townships, and Hastings Borough. “It’s heartening to see this valuable tool taking hold the way I envisioned it back in 2019 when I pushed my leadership and the governor’s office hard to make sure Cambria County finally got a KOZ program,” Burns said. “I made sure we had a level playing field with the rest of Pennsylvania when it came to offering state and local tax benefits in exchange for business investment and job creation. “I did my part as an elected official in Harrisburg. But those at the local level had a part to play, too. This is truly working together to get things done, and I thank all of those who recently voted to put the KOZ concept to work in Cambria County. ““This is really an economic development tool, and I’m glad to see municipalities and school districts taking advantage of the Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $106,000 secured for State College Area School District environmental repairs

(Sep 10, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Sept. 10 – A grant of $105,906 to the State College Area School District will fund building repairs and improvements to ensure students and staff have the healthiest possible learning environment, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grant was awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Environmental Repairs Grant program, which funds projects to eliminate school environmental hazards such as lead, mold, asbestos and other problems. “Dedicated teachers and school staff are the No. 1 reason our students thrive, but they also depend on a safe, hazard-free learning environment,” Conklin said. “That’s why I worked to secure budget funding that addresses all our district’s educational needs – from staffing and curriculum to building improvements that ensure safe and healthy classrooms. With this new funding, State College Area School District will have the resources needed to identify and eliminate any building hazards so students and staff can stay safe and focus on the business of learning.” The funding is part of a package of $75 million awarded to schools statewide under the PDE Environmental Repairs Grant program and secured in the state’s 2023-24 budget. Schools can use the money to improve water infrastructure and eliminate contamination, install point-of-use treatment devices to reduce lead and other contaminants, Read more

 

Burns delivers $116,872 for Summerhill Borough, Forest Hills EMS

(Sep 10, 2024) Northwest Delegation

EBENSBURG, Sept. 10 – After meeting with Summerhill Borough officials and afterward attending their Little League All-Star game for a firsthand assessment of their request for funding, state Rep. Frank Burns worked singlehandedly in Harrisburg to deliver a $116,872 state grant. “This funding will provide new lighting to a ballpark used by several youth teams and will upgrade Freedom Park with a gazebo, benches, sidewalks and handicapped accessibility,” Burns said. “It will also fill another need by enabling purchase of ballistic vests for members of the Forest Hills Area Ambulance/EMS, increasing their safety when responding to incidents.” Burns, D-Cambria, said the third component of the grant is important because the ambulance service covers 92 square miles and serves 15,000 people in Summerhill, Ehrenfeld and South Fork boroughs, and Summerhill, Croyle and Adams townships. ______________________________________________________________________ “ Frank Burns had everything to do with these grants … there were no other legislators involved. If it wasn’t for him, we would not have been able to secure funding for any of these three projects.” – Mayor Eric Miller, Summerhill Borough. ______________________________________________________________________ Eric Miller, who serves as Summerhill Borough mayor and Forest Hills Read more

 

Burns: $1.3 million secured for 72nd District school repairs, improvements

(Sep 09, 2024) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Sept. 9 – Building on his commitment to ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today that school districts and technical and career schools in the 72 nd Legislative District have secured more than $1.3 million in new funding for environmental repairs. Burns, D-Cambria, said the funding awarded under the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Environmental Repair Grant program includes $894,732 to Central Cambria School District, $266,589 to Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center and $147,527 to Admiral Perry Area Vocational Technical School. “I will always fight to ensure that our students have the resources they need to succeed, and that includes making sure our school buildings are safe, secure and free of environmental hazards like mold or asbestos,” Burns said. “That’s why I’ve worked to help secure budget funding for school upgrades and improvements. With this new funding, our schools can move forward to remedy any potentially dangerous or unhealthy conditions so that our students are free to focus on what’s important – learning, thriving and charting their best futures.” The funding is part of a package of $75 million awarded to schools statewide under the PDE Environment Repairs Grant program and secured in the state’s 2023-24 budget. Schools can use the money to improve water Read more

 

Conklin: $78,000 secured for Rush Township stormwater management, roadway improvements

(Aug 21, 2024) Northwest Delegation

STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 21 – A $78,000 grant from the Multimodal Transportation Fund will fund work to bring safer travel for Rush Township residents, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. “Frequent and more severe storms are challenging our communities’ stormwater management capacity and increasing the risk of flooding that can threaten motorists and impact our roads,” Conklin said. “Securing this new funding will allow Rush Township to move forward with needed stormwater management work and roadway improvements on Medical Center Drive so traffic flows as smoothly and safely as possible.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides financial assistance to municipalities, government councils, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies and ports and rail freight entities. By improving transportation assets, the program seeks to enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit revitalization. More about the funding statewide is available here: https://www.pa.gov/en/governor/newsroom/2024-press-releases/gov-shapiro--51-million-dot-mtf-grants-66-projects.html . Read more

 

Conklin: $220,000 secured for local firefighting resources, community center upgrades

(Aug 13, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, Aug. 13 – New grant funding of $220,000 will support firefighting resources for Hope Fire Co. and community center upgrades for Huston Township, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the funding includes $200,000 to Hope Fire Co. in Philipsburg to help the company purchase a utility vehicle, personal protective gear and other firefighting equipment. “Our district is fortunate to have highly dedicated first responders who answer the call 24/7, regardless of tight budgets, staff constraints and other logistical challenges,” Conklin said. “Securing this funding should help ease some of the burden for Hope Fire Company so the department can ensure that their frontline heroes have the resources they need to stay safe on the job.” Conklin said that in addition, Huston Township will receive $20,000 for building upgrades, including ADA compliance work, for the township’s community center. Read more

 

Conklin: $133,100 in new funding to boost adult literacy

(Jul 18, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, July 18 – Centre County residents will benefit from expanded adult literacy resources, thanks to new grant funding of $133,106 to Penn State University, state Rep. Scott Conklin announced today. Conklin, D-Centre, said the grant – awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education – is part of a package of funding to five school entities to train and support volunteer adult literacy education instructors, or tutors, who instruct students in adult education and literacy programs. “Literacy holds the key to so many life opportunities, from finding good-paying jobs and successfully navigating community resources to helping one’s children with homework,” Conklin said. “But too many adults still struggle with basic literacy needs. This new funding will bring those essential skills to more residents, including many for whom English is a second language, so they can chart a more productive future for themselves and their families.” More about the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/education-details.aspx?newsid=1479#:~:text=Harrisburg%2C%20PA%20%2D%20The%20Pennsylvania%20Department,adult%20education%20and%20literacy%20programs . Read more

 

Conklin: Nearly $740,000 secured to preserve District 77 farms

(Jun 14, 2024) Rep. Scott Conklin

STATE COLLEGE, June 14 – New funding of nearly $740,000 – including a state investment of $628,000 from the Department of Agriculture – will ensure preservation of farms in the 77 th Legislative District, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced today. Conklin said the funding awarded under the state’s Farmland Preservation Program will allow the state to purchase development rights for two local farms to protect the land from future residential or commercial development. “These farms are critically important to our community, but their benefits extend far beyond the fences that border them,” Conklin said. “Under the talented stewardship of our local farmers, these lands strengthen our regional food supply and bolster the health of our local, regional and state economies. This new funding is going to help ensure they are around now and far into the future, where we can all continue to reap the benefits.” Conklin said the funding will be used to purchase development rights to the following farms: Carl R. Gates Farm, Ferguson Township, 193-acre crop and livestock farm. Thomas W., Cynthia B., and William H. Hall, and Janis H. Goodman Farm, Halfmoon Township, 88-acre crop and livestock farm. The funding includes $627,972 from the state, $100,000 from the county, and $11,956 from Ferguson Township. More about the funding is available here: Read more

 

Burns asks governor to open state police substation in Johnstown

(Jun 13, 2024) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, June 13 – Seeking additional resources to battle one of the highest crime rates in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Frank Burns has asked Gov. Josh Shapiro to establish a state police substation in Johnstown. Burns, D-Cambria, outlined the pressing need in a letter to Shapiro, citing: A Johnstown law enforcement system “seriously strained” by a “massive influx of low-income, transient public housing residents,” coming largely from Philadelphia. The 1-in-24 chance one has of being the victim of a violent or property crime in Johnstown. The staffing shortage at the Johnstown Police Department, which as of last fall had 31 active-duty officers – 10 short of the 41 budgeted. ______________________________________________________________________ “As the City of Johnstown struggles under the weight of a devastating mix of poverty and crime, fueled by a huge transient public housing population coming largely from Philadelphia, I am asking for your help to bring things under control by establishing a State Police Substation in the city.” – Rep. Frank Burns, to Governor Josh Shapiro. ______________________________________________________________________ “Everyone who lives here and is a law abiding citizen can attest to how bad the situation has become. It is no coincidence – nor was it a big surprise to Read more

 

Conklin introduces bill to update Pennsylvania’s recreational vehicle law

(Jun 11, 2024) Northwest Delegation

HARRISBURG, June 11 – Pennsylvania’s recreational vehicle law would receive needed upgrades and stronger consumer protections under a bill introduced today by state Rep. Scott Conklin. Conklin, who is chairman of the House Commerce Committee, said H.B 2410 would update and clarify parts of the law governing the RV industry to help ensure reliable, efficient and cost-effective warranty service for consumers. “The RV industry is different enough from the automotive industry that Pennsylvania has separate laws governing RV manufacturers and dealers,” Conklin said. “But areas of the law – particularly as it relates to warranty services – need to be updated to better protect consumers and provide clearer guidance for dealers. “My bill would accomplish that by adding provisions that ensure more efficient warranty repairs, more consistent rate-setting and prices for warranty service and stronger consumer protections from rogue dealers who host pop-up-style RV events.” Conklin said his bill would: Help ensure warranty repairs are completed efficiently by clarifying that RV dealers may purchase available warranty parts from a supplier other than the manufacturer. Clarify the language regarding labor rates for warranty service, which is currently based on “reasonable compensation,” to mirror the automotive dealers’ formula for establishing Read more

 

Conklin: $224,300 secured for District 77 park and environmental projects
Nov 13, 2024

Conklin: $3.5 million secured for Central Intermediate Unit 10 administrative offices project
Nov 02, 2024

State lawmakers highlight nearly $18 million to fund Erie County projects
Nov 01, 2024

Statement from state Reps. Bizzarro, Merski and Harkins regarding Erie County voting
Oct 30, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $500,000 secured for high school roof replacement
Oct 23, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $673,000 secured to support District 77 equipment needs, building renovations, performing arts center project
Oct 23, 2024

Harkins, Merski: Over $1.4M secured to bolster broadband for Erie community
Oct 10, 2024

House Commerce Committee approves Conklin resolution calling on PIAA to hold separate playoffs for public and private schools
Oct 02, 2024

Conklin highlights bills at Capitol news conference to combat domestic violence
Oct 01, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $2 million secured to boost Centre County criminal justice programs, supports and services for survivors
Sep 18, 2024

KOZ program Rep. Burns spearheaded bears fruit in Cambria County
Sep 13, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $106,000 secured for State College Area School District environmental repairs
Sep 10, 2024

Burns delivers $116,872 for Summerhill Borough, Forest Hills EMS
Sep 10, 2024

Burns: $1.3 million secured for 72nd District school repairs, improvements
Sep 09, 2024

Conklin: $78,000 secured for Rush Township stormwater management, roadway improvements
Aug 21, 2024

Conklin: $220,000 secured for local firefighting resources, community center upgrades
Aug 13, 2024

Conklin: $133,100 in new funding to boost adult literacy
Jul 18, 2024

Conklin: Nearly $740,000 secured to preserve District 77 farms
Jun 14, 2024

Burns asks governor to open state police substation in Johnstown
Jun 13, 2024

Conklin introduces bill to update Pennsylvania’s recreational vehicle law
Jun 11, 2024