Kelly announces more than $20 million in Community Project Funding for Western Pennsylvania approved by U.S. House

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax, announced $20.6 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) grants submitted by his office have been approved for projects within Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District. The projects were included in the legislation passed by the U.S. House on Thursday.

The projects were included in the Transportation and Housing & Urban Development (THUD) and Homeland Security Bills. The legislation now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

"I believe it's important for everyone to remember: this money isn't from the government. These are your taxpayer dollars at work in local communities," said Rep. Kelly. "As my team and I reviewed this year's projects, our priority was ensuring Pennsylvania taxpayers received the strongest return on their investment. I look forward to seeing these projects take shape in the months and years ahead."

The projects are:

$7 million -- Ekastown West 3R Rehabilitation, Butler County

This project would realign, construct, and rehabilitate the roadway of PA 228 in Clinton and Buffalo Townships. PA 228 is a primary collector, and the project will improve commuting and transportation in the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond by expanding upon traffic and safety improvements that have already been made on PA 228.

$3 million -- State Route 422, Business Route 422 project, Lawrence County

This project would restore and resurface pavement along an 8.5-mile stretch of SR 422 in Lawrence County. SR 422 functions as the primary artery throughout Lawrence County and this project will provide a safer, more efficient passage through the region while improving drainage and pedestrian safety.

$3 million -- Erie County Industrial Park, Erie County

This new industrial park in McKean Township will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, attract businesses, and increase tax revenue, while also improving infrastructure, fostering business expansion, and promoting environmental stewardship. Erie County lacks the adequate infrastructure and facilities for industrial development; this project would provide the infrastructure for a new industrial park.

$2.6 million -- City of Erie Emergency Operations Command Center, Erie County

This project will construct a new Emergency Operations Center in the heart of Erie. In 2021, the city noted advanced deterioration of the existing facility located at 311 Marsh Street. This new Emergency Operations Center will serve a 14-county region in Northwestern Pennsylvania and has far-reaching implications for increasing public safety, improving coordination and collaboration with first responders and law enforcement organizations, facilitating regional training opportunities, reducing crime, and improving the efficiency of effectiveness of disaster response throughout the region.

$2 million for State Route 18, Wilmington Road Betterment, Lawrence County

This project would restore and repave SR 18 between Wilmington Township and Neshannock Township, Lawrence County. The existing road surface is deteriorating and reaching the end of its useful life. SR 18 connects New Castle, PA to SR 208 and the towns of Pulaski, New Wilmington, and Volant.

$2 million for Erie Coke Demolition Project, Erie County

This project will demolish the existing smokestack and condemned structures at the former Erie Coke Site. Abandoned in 2019, the lakefront Erie Coke Site has been an environmental hazard in the City of Erie for nearly five years. This project would help remediate the environmental hazards presented by the abandoned site which would benefit the health and safety of the entire community and provide nearly 200 acres of usable lakefront property.

$1.05 million for Erie International Airport's Aircraft Rescue Firefighting Vehicle, Erie County

This project would replace the existing Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, which has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer up to FAA standards. A new ARFF vehicle would ensure FAA compliance, as well as enhance airport passenger, employee, and environmental safety.

BACKGROUND

Earlier this month, Kelly announced the House passed $4 million of his Community Project Funding requests for water and sewer infrastructure projects throughout Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.

In November, Kelly also secured $2.5 million in Community Project Funding for three local volunteer fire departments.

Congressional leaders resumed Community Project Funding (CPF), formerly known as 'earmarks', for the 119th Congress. With increased transparency and stricter guidelines, lawmakers were permitted to submit up to fifteen (15) funding requests during the appropriations process. Rep. Kelly fielded input from local leaders throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania before selecting these projects.

Details on CPF rules and guidelines can be found here.

In 2020, Rep. Kelly also delivered two BUILD Grants for the 16th Congressional District, including $25 million for improvements along State Route 228 in Butler County, and $21 million for the City of Erie's Bayfront Parkway Project. In 2018, he also secured a BUILD Grant for the State Route 228 project worth $20 million.