South Central PA News

Sen. Doug Mastriano and Rep. Rob Kauffman have announced that nearly $2 million in state grants have been awarded for water infrastructure, arts, and culture projects in Franklin County. The grants will support the expansion of sewer services, provide access to clean drinking water, and help the arts and culture sector recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sen. Mastriano highlighted the importance of the water infrastructure grants, stating, "These grants ensure residents have access to clean drinking water and their wastewater can properly be carried away and treated." He emphasized that providing clean water and dealing with wastewater is a core function of local governments.

One of the grants, totaling $1 million, will be used to expand the Guilford Authority sewer service in the Marion community. This expansion will benefit hundreds of homes, two schools, commercial businesses, and the Marion Volunteer Fire Department. The project aims to eliminate failing septic systems and support the planned growth of the community.

The grants for water infrastructure projects are being funded through the federal COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered through the H20 PA Program. These investments will not only improve water and sewer services but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the region.

In addition to the water infrastructure grants, funding is also being allocated to support arts and culture organizations in Franklin County. Sen. Mastriano explained, "Many local arts and culture organizations were drastically affected by the forced government shutdown that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic." The grants from the PA Arts and Culture Recovery (PARC) Program aim to ensure that these vital community resources continue to be accessible to residents.

Rep. Kauffman expressed his support for the grants, stating, "Whether supporting the arts community or ensuring residents have sufficient access to water and sewer services, this funding is vital to the growth of our region." He emphasized the importance of investing in both infrastructure and the arts for the well-being and development of Franklin County.

The grants were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The CFA administers the state's economic stimulus packages.

The H2O PA Program, established in 2008, provides grants for the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer projects, as well as flood control projects. The SWS Program, on the other hand, provides grants for small water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects.

The grants for arts and culture organizations are part of the PACR Program, which was created to support the stability and recovery of Pennsylvania's arts and culture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These investments in water infrastructure, arts, and culture reflect the commitment of Sen. Mastriano and Rep. Kauffman to the well-being and growth of Franklin County. The funding will have a positive impact on the community, ensuring access to essential resources and supporting the recovery of the arts and culture sector.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://senatormastriano.com/2023/12/19/mastriano-kauffman-announce-nearly-2-million-for-water-infrastructure-arts-and-culture-projects-in-franklin-county/