Schuylkill County gets $9.2 million in grants to fix school buildings and infrastructure

HARRISBURG — Schuylkill County municipalities recently received $9.2 million in grants for repairs to school buildings and infrastructure projects in townships and boroughs.

A total of $4.2 million was awarded under the Public School Facility Improvement Grant program. The remaining $5 million was from the state Local Share Account program, which distributes gaming revenue to projects that support community and economic development.

"Towns and neighborhoods in all parts of Schuylkill County will benefit from this funding," said State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp.

Argall announced the grants in conjunction with state representatives Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp.; Jamie Barton, R-124. East Brunswick Twp.; JoAnne Stehr, R-107, Hegins and Dane Watro, R-116, Kline Twp.

In awarding $4.2 million in Public School Facility Improvement Grants to nine school districts, Argall said the highly competitive funding is much needed in the county.

"As the chair of the Senate Education Committee, I understand how serious the need is for better school buildings," he said. "Outdated school facilities can put student safety in jeopardy."

In announcing four grants totaling $1.8 million, Twardzik said the funds will enhance infrastructure, improve emergency services and expand recreational activities.

The recipients area: Minersville, $640,000 for renovations to its municipal building; Palo Alto, $600,000 for municipal building improvements and to establish an emergency shelter; Schuylkill River Greenway Association, $147,500, for design of the Schuylkill River Trail in Frackville and Saint Clair, $400,000, for an addition to Alert Fire Co. No. 1 fire house.

David McKeown / Multimedia Editor

Ryan Twardzik, left, of Frackville, and Peter Oswald, of Girardville, look over a spot for the Schuylkill River Greenways trail near Frackville, which just received $147,500 in grant money for its design.

In announcing six grants totaling $1.4 million, Barton said improvements are expensive and townships and boroughs don't always have the cash on hand.

The recipients are: Deer Lake, $700,000, for repair to Deer Lake Dam; New Ringgold, $100,000, to widen the intersection of Routes 443 and 895; Port Clinton, $177,353, to replace a sewer main near the Broad Street bridge; Ryan Twp., $69,639, to purchase a UTV; Tamaqua, $79,444, to restore the facade of historic 117 W. Broad Street; and West Penn Twp., $290,360, to purchase a new asphalt paver.

The five projects totaling $1.2 million in her district, Stehr said, will greatly enhance the quality of life for residents.

Recipients are: Foster Twp., $150,000, to construct Anthracite Memorial Park at the former James Neale mansion; Foster Twp., $170,055, to expand water service along Turkey Road in Buck Run; Pine Grove Twp., $250,000, to replace a pool at Girl Scouts' Camp Wood Haven; Porter Tower Joint Municipal Authority, $338,650, for wastewater treatment plant improvements; and Reilly Twp., $144,500, for a new backhoe loader.

Watro, whose district includes part of Schuylkill County, announced five infrastructure grants totaling $600,000.

Recipients are: East Union Twp., $86,528, for a new police vehicle; Kline Twp., $150,000, for a wheel loader; Mahanoy Twp., $106,222, for police vehicle; McAdoo, $193,154, for a new dump truck and police cruiser; and Shenandoah $77,996, for a well and pavilion at the Pumping Station Dam.

The nine school districts receiving a total of $4.2 million are:

Blue Mountain, $1.075,000, to replace windows and make roof repairs; Mahanoy Area, $600,000, for HVAC improvements at Mahanoy Area Elementary School; Pine Grove, $250,000, HVAC improvements at Pine Grove High School; Pottsville, $110,000, safety and security improvements in its elementary, middle and high schools and academic center; Saint Clair, $110,000, for HVAC improvements; Schuylkill Technology Center, $476,805 to replace three roofs and enable cellular coverage at its South Campus in Mar-Lin.

Schuylkill Haven, $350,000, HVAC improvement at its middle school; Shenandoah Valley, $800,000, HVAC and energy saving improvements; Tamaqua, $450,000, for a new roof at the high school.