HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Clearfield County, has announced that several programs have awarded grants to various local entities that will create jobs and improve communities throughout the area.
“I’m happy to see that as my time as a legislator winds down, that we are still seeing investments being made in our local communities,” George said. “One of my highest priorities in this term has been to see that jobs continue to grow in Clearfield County, and grants often help make that happen.”
Topping the list is a grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program (CCPP), which recently awarded a $500,000 grant for the rehabilitation of Clearfield Community Pool. The project will include reconstruction of the main pool, wading pool, and bathhouse, as well as construction of a splash pad, installation of a water slide, perimeter fencing, and several other improvements.
“This is a fantastic grant for our area,” George said. “The Clearfield Community Pool board has been holding a grant drive to raise the matching money for this project, and was anxiously awaiting a decision on the CCPP grant. I’m sure the board and area residents will be thrilled to hear of the grant’s approval.”
The CCPP program is administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to assist local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts, and other non-profits for various park, recreation, and other community projects. Under the same program, Boggs Township also received $40,000 for improvements to Boggs Township Community Park.
“This program has consistently brought dollars to our area,” George said. “I hope to see this continue in the future.”
George also said that RES Coal Inc. recently was approved for a more than $500,000 grant to rehabilitate siding and construct new track. The money, part of $5.3 million distributed as part of the state Rail Freight Assistance Program, will help maintain 119 mining, trucking and railroad jobs linked to the Clearfield Siding, could create 63 new jobs tied directly to the Clearfield Siding, and may result in the removal of almost 8,000 additional truckloads of coal from area roads.
Finally, George said that the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania – WEDnetPA – has announced its recipients for the 2012-13 fiscal year. Four area companies will receive training grants totaling more than $13,400.
“WEDnetPA targets manufacturers and technology-based businesses, helping to provide dollars that are used in training employees and making our local companies more competitive within the Commonwealth,” George said. “Last year, the program provided grants totaling nearly $11,300, and this year we’ve seen that number grow.”
Locally, the four grant recipients were Alder Run Engineering LLC, $2,447; Forum US Inc., $2,400; Glen-Gery Corporation, $186; and Netshape Technologies Inc., $8,400.
The WEDnetPA program is funded by the Department of Community and Economic Development through the PA First Fund. Funds are available for employee training and are generally invested in companies designated as “high-priority industry clusters” within Pennsylvania.
“These grants are all vital to our area, both in terms of job creation and for the improvements they bring to our local communities,” George said. “I’m happy to see these dollars coming in, and I hope that local businesses and governments continue to apply for these grants in the future.”