HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said that a bill honoring a Clearfield County native who died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, has taken an important step closer to final passage.
“I am honored and humbled to have introduced House Bill 1827, which would re-designate the Irvona Bridge carrying State Route 53 over Clearfield Creek as the Mary Ellen Tiesi Memorial 9-11 Bridge,” George said.
“It’s but a small token of gratitude for a woman who gave her life attempting to save another.”
On Sept. 11, 2001, Irvona native Mary Ellen Tiesi, then 38, was working in the World Trade Center South Tower when it was attacked by terrorists.
As she and a co-worker proceeded to evacuate the building, Tiesi stopped to wait for her employer, who had a heart condition. As her co-worker proceeded to evacuate, Tiesi opted to wait, promising to do so for no more than two minutes. She caught up with her boss, who decided to take the elevator the rest of the way down.
Tiesi’s boss and co-worker both made it out, but Tiesi did not. Her remains have never been recovered.
“Her concern for others brought the ultimate cost,” George said. “To me, that makes her a hero.”
House Bill 1827 was unanimously voted out of the Transportation Committee today. It will now come before the full House for a vote.
The bridge over Clearfield Creek in Irvona is being rebuilt and is expected to be completed in 2012.
In other news, George announced that the state Department of Environmental Protection soon will be awarding a grant to Clearfield County under the County Recycling Coordinator Grant Program of Act 101 of 1988.
“I’m pleased to see this money coming into Clearfield County,” George said. “This will help to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.”
The grant is for $9,272 and will be used to reimburse 50 percent of the county recycling coordinator’s salary and expenses.
Also, George announced that the deadline to apply for grants through the state Fire Commissioner’s Office has been extended.
“I encourage volunteer fire and ambulance companies to apply for grants available through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program,” George said.
Eligible companies can use the funds for a variety of expenditures, including equipment, facility renovations and training. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. Nov. 4, two weeks later than the previous deadline. More information can be found at www.osfc.state.pa.us/.
