State grant to fund site prep work at unused brownfield location Read more
McKEESPORT, Dec. 2 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced more than $1.8 million in state funding has been awarded to district programs that reduce violence and provide positive alternatives for at-risk youth. “This is an investment in our young people who deserve to have a bright future ahead of them,” Davis said. “I’m proud to advocate for funding that will support programs that focus on prevention and disrupting opportunities for violence before they escalate.” The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded grants to the following projects: $1,496,000 to Allegheny County to implement Cure Violence in communities most impacted by gun violence, including Wilkinsburg, Penn Hills, McKees Rocks, Stowe, McKeesport, Homestead, Duquesne, Clairton, Rankin and Braddock. $346,820 to Carnegie Library of Homestead to support its Youth Development and Restorative Justice Program, where trained counselors and program coordinators mentor at-risk youth to develop conflict resolution skills to reduce violent crime among teenagers. The Carnegie Library of Homestead serves Munhall, West Mifflin and surrounding communities. The grants are part of a package of $15.7 million in funding from PCCD to support local strategies to stop gun and group violence. More information about the grants is available here . Read more
PITTSBURGH, Dec. 2 – The Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today that more than $4.88 million in state funding was awarded to several county and local organizations to address violence and crime. “Our young people need tools and resources to combat and prevent the violence that’s become all too common in our communities,” said state Rep. Austin Davis, chairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation. “These grants invest in programs that provide safe spaces for at-risk teens and young adults to learn about conflict resolution, being leaders in their neighborhoods and alternatives for a better future.” The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded grants to the following projects: $350,000 to 1Hood Media Academy for a new gun violence prevention campaign for greater Pittsburgh. The project will provide youth and young adults with training and resources to work as media activists to conduct campaigns in their own communities and on social media, where much of the gun violence originates and escalates. $1,496,000 to Allegheny County to implement Cure Violence in communities most impacted by gun violence, including Wilkinsburg, Penn Hills, McKees Rocks, Stowe, McKeesport, Homestead, Duquesne, Clairton, Rankin and Braddock. $346,820 to Carnegie Library of Homestead to support its Youth Development and Restorative Justice Program, where trained counselors and program Read more
This year, I brought almost $4 million to the Mon Valley for economic development and revitalization projects. The Clairton Inn Revitalization Project and improvements to the McKeesport Transportation Center were some of the projects I’ve advocated for to provide a better, brighter future for the Mon Valley. Read more
McKEESPORT, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced today the Commonwealth Financing Authority has awarded a total of $674,580 to three Mon Valley projects that would improve sidewalks and roads, as well as help to alleviate flooding issues. “Today we are announcing major funding for several community projects in the Mon Valley,” Davis said. “These dollars are more than just state spending, they are a direct investment in our communities that will have a real impact on the people who live there, part of my commitment to the Mon Valley and the people I represent.” The grants come from the CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program, which awarded the following amounts to local projects: $153,000 to Lincoln Borough to install a storm water system on Virginia Drive to help alleviate flooding issues. The project will include installing 700 linear feet of HDPE storm sewer pipe, inlets, and milling and repaving Virginia Drive with a new asphalt curb. $221,580 to Clairton City to improve safety for pedestrians by replacing deteriorated sidewalk and curb along Desiderio Boulevard from Worthington Avenue to Soltis Drive. The sidewalk is the main route for students who walk from adjacent neighborhoods to attend the Clairton Education Center. $300,000 to Munhall for improvements along the newly dedicated Raymond Bodnar Way, which includes repaving, striping and pavement Read more
McKEESPORT, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, teamed up with community partners on Thursday to give away 400 free turkeys to help make sure Mon Valley families in need have a meal on the table for Thanksgiving. “Everyone deserves to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” Davis said. “Many families in the Mon Valley are still facing hardships two years into the pandemic. This giveaway is an opportunity to ease some of that burden, as well as a way for me to be of service to folks in my district and show them my thanks.” Davis partnered with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and U. S. Steel to give away 400 turkeys and boxes with all the fixings at Founder’s Hall Middle School in McKeesport. “Amidst the ongoing pandemic and rising food costs, more families than ever are struggling to make ends meet,” said Erin Kelly, director of innovation and distribution programs at the Food Bank. “Holiday meal distributions are always something special for us, but this year we are especially thankful for Representative Davis and U. S. Steel partnering with us in such a big way to help ensure our neighbors have Thanksgiving meals to share with their loved ones.” “Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank works year-round to provide the nourishing meals needed by families across the region,” said U. S. Steel Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Read more
McKEESPORT, Nov. 18 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, participated in a virtual roundtable discussion Wednesday to discuss the importance of the Build Back Better Act and its impact on environmental justice in Western Pennsylvania. “It is clear the issues concerning our environment, infrastructure and our social safety net are deeply interconnected, and solutions that address all of these issues will have the greatest impact,” Davis said. “The bipartisan infrastructure bill is a great start as it makes long-needed investments in our roads, bridges and climate infrastructure that will benefit our region and Pennsylvania, but the investments alone will not fix the deficiencies that have plagued our disadvantaged communities. The Build Back Better Act would help to ensure that funds are allocated and used efficiently and equitably for Pennsylvanians and all Americans.” Davis co-hosted the roundtable with Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and was joined by U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Allegheny/Beaver/Butler, and Dina Pugliesi from EDF Action, the advocacy partner of the Environmental Defense Fund, in the discussion. "Passing the Build Back Better Act is essential to addressing the longstanding systemic racism that has forced communities of color and low-income families to bear the brunt of pollution and environmental degradation for generations," said Katie Blume, political director for Conservation Read more
HARRISBURG, Nov. 9 – State Rep. Austin Davis announced today that funding from more than $2.5 million in tax credits will boost several projects in the Mon Valley that support affordable and safe housing, medical care for vulnerable residents and address food insecurity. Davis said the funding was awarded under the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, which is designed to encourage investment in distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital. “These investments will help to target and address issues at the heart of these communities, especially following the economic and social blows that have been dealt by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Davis, D-Allegheny. “The public-private partnerships will provide a lifeline to recovery efforts that aim to make communities safer and healthier, while also creating new opportunities for residents in the Mon Valley.” The following projects were awarded NAP investments: Best of Batch Foundation – Munhall – An investment of $110,000 will go to Best of Batch Foundation in Munhall for construction of a new Health and Wellness Center focused on eliminating barriers to provide medical care, prevention and resources to people of all ages, including those in our most vulnerable populations. Tube City Renaissance – McKeesport – An investment of $13,750 will support Tube City Read more
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 1 – The Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today a combined $325,000 in grants was awarded to the Heinz History Center and the Travelers Aid Society of Pittsburgh. “Pittsburgh and Allegheny County has so much history to share with our younger generation,” said delegation Chair and state Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny. “The grant awarded to the Heinz History Center helps to support its mission in engaging young people in politics and history and encouraging them to become more active members within their communities.” The Department of Education awarded the Heinz History Center, legally known as the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, a $75,000 grant for its America 101 initiative. The program is dedicated to ensuring that all western Pennsylvanians, and all Americans through the center’s work with the Smithsonian’s “Made By Us” initiative, understand the basic tenets of the country's political system and nation’s history. The History Center also offers school programs for students and teachers, public programs and digital content designed to make history and civics fun and relevant, particularly for young adults. The Department of Human Services awarded the Travelers Aid Society of Pittsburgh a $250,000 grant for its Employment Transportation Assistance Program. ETAP removes the transportation barrier by providing a monthly bus pass for Read more
State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, held a successful drive-thru Senior Fair in McKeesport today. Older Mon Valley residents came to Renziehausen Park, where they collected information on resources and state-related programs and also had the opportunity to drop off medication for safe disposal by the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office from the comfort of their cars. Some residents took advantage of getting a flu shot provided by UPMC. “There has been a lack of connection during the pandemic, so I felt it was necessary to hold an event like this, where I could safely reconnect with folks I haven’t seen in a while, as well as meet some new faces from the community,” Davis said. “It was wonderful to have one-on-one conversations and be able to directly hear from the people I serve. “This was a unique experience holding an event where seniors stayed inside their cars, but I’m pleased we were able to help them leave the event with information on resources and programs that are beneficial to their lives.” EDITORS/ASSIGNMENT DESKS : Photos from the event can be found here . Read more
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 21 – State funding of more than $5.3 million dollars will help fund two local water projects that aim to continue efforts to eliminate lead from drinking water systems, the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today. “Our communities depend on having clean and safe drinking water,” said state Rep. Austin Davis, ACDD Chairman. “The funding invested today shows a commitment to removing harmful lead from the aging drinking systems in many of our neighborhoods and improving safety for our future generations.” The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority board approved funding for the following: Municipal Authority of the Borough of Edgeworth, $250,905 loan and $394,095 grant to replace 75 existing, lead-containing water service lines. The project will replace aged, lead water lines and reduce potential lead exposure throughout the system. Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, $1,830,833 loan and $2,875,679 grant to replace 200 public and 167 private lead service lines throughout the distribution system. The project will result in a significant reduction in water loss and will reduce potential lead exposure for users. PENNVEST awarded a total of $186 million for 33 drinking water, wastewater and non-point source projects across 20 counties throughout Pennsylvania. A full list of projects can be found here . Read more
McKEESPORT, Oct. 5 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced today Pittsburgh Rebuilding Together was awarded $75,000 in state funding for the Penn McKee hotel stabilization project in the city of McKeesport. “The Penn McKee has been through its share of ups and downs. What was once the Mon Valley’s premier hotel and home to countless events, including the first debate between then-Congressmen John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, has now stood vacant and in severe disrepair for a couple of decades,” Davis said. “I helped to secure this funding with the hopes that it will help to create a new chapter in the Penn McKee’s rich history, one that holds a brighter future for the blighted landmark and the city of McKeesport.” Davis said the funding comes from the state Department of Community and Economic Development and will be used for demolition, asbestos abatement, engineering and administration costs associated with the Penn McKee hotel stabilization project. The grant is from DCED’s Keystone Communities Program , which is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors that jointly support local initiatives such as the growth and stability of neighborhoods and communities, social and economic diversity, and a strong and secure quality of life. Read more
DUQUESNE, Sept. 24 – The life and legacy of local civil rights leader Clifton P. Pitts was honored today with a ceremony dedicating The Clifton P. Pitts Memorial Highway along a portion of state Route 837 in Duquesne and West Mifflin. State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, whose legislation enabled the dedication, said the highway will serve as a lasting reminder of Pitts’ dedication to his community and his steadfast leadership. “Clifton Pitts was an influential trailblazer in the Mon Valley who not only fought to improve the lives of everyone he met, but also inspired many people, like myself, to follow his lead in dedicating their time and talents to serving others,” Davis said. “I introduced the proposal to establish the Clifton P. Pitts Memorial Highway so that those in our community would have a permanent place to remember and reflect on Mr. Pitts’ legacy.” Today’s ceremony was attended by members of Pitts’ family, state Sen. Jay Costa, state Sen. Jim Brewster, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and city of Duquesne Mayor Nickole Nesby. “The hard work, leadership and legacy left by Clifton Pitts in our communities and beyond is extraordinary. He worked every day to create the world that he wanted to see for himself and for future generations, and I am proud to join in the commemoration of this memorial highway in his honor,” Costa Read more
McKEESPORT, Sept. 16 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, will introduce legislation to reinstate and fully fund the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, which recently expired. “Throughout the pandemic, PUA has been a critical lifeline for workers who are historically excluded from traditional unemployment compensation, such as gig workers, recent college graduates, contract workers, and the self-employed,” Davis said. “Low-wage and minority workers are also more likely to be part of this excluded workforce and are now left with little support during the Delta variant surge, a new school year, and an unemployment rate that remains well above pre-pandemic levels.” Davis said while the federal government ceased funding the PUA directly, the state legislature can and must step in to resume this critical program. He said his proposed legislation would utilize unspent American Rescue Plan dollars to fully fund the PUA program through the end of the year. “Pennsylvanians have stopped receiving help, but make no mistake, they’re still in need,” Davis said. “We have money available to reinstate this safety net for people who’ve been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and we need to ensure they receive the help they need as they work to acquire well-paid, life-sustaining employment.” Davis said he plans to introduce his legislation soon. Read more
McKEESPORT, Sept. 8 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, announced the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded $587,180 in grants to programs that prevent gun violence and substance abuse for youth and young adults in the Mon Valley. “Young people in underserved communities within the Mon Valley have alternatives to gun violence and substance use,” Davis said. “The funding awarded to these programs will help them continue to provide resources, skills and experiences to our youth that will help guide them toward a better future.” The following programs received PCCD funding: Healthy Village Learning Institute - $211,680 – Healthy Village Learning Institute will use the grant funding for its P.O.W.E.R. (Positive Outcomes With Excuses Removed) Prevention Program in McKeesport, Duquesne and Clairton. The program’s goal is to decrease gun use/abuse, increase self-esteem, improve family functioning, increase decision-making, develop problem-solving skills, improve academic performance and increase community awareness of negative factors affecting youth and young adults. Center for Victims - $225,000 – McKeesport is one of the Allegheny County communities that will benefit from the funding awarded to the Center for Victims to enhance and expand its Family & Community Support Team. The grant money will be used to find staff in the communities the Read more
McKEESPORT, Aug. 31 – State Rep. Austin Davis, D-Allegheny, issued the following statement on the Wolf administration’s requirement for children to wear masks in Pennsylvania schools and daycare centers starting on Sept. 7: “Keeping our children in school and keeping them safe is a top priority. With COVID-19 case counts increasing, the situation has reached a point where we need to take this action to protect our children, teachers and staff. “Vaccination rates in the Mon Valley are among the lowest in Allegheny County and since many school-aged children aren’t yet eligible for the shot, masking will play an important role in protecting them from the virus. “If we want to keep our schools open, maintain classroom learning and allow sports and other activities to continue, we need to mask up.” Read more
McKEESPORT, Aug. 5 – State Rep. Austin Davis, chair of the Allegheny County House Democratic Delegation, issued the following statement on behalf of its members regarding the recent passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka rose from working in coal mines in Pennsylvania to become a leader and fighter for working families across the country. His dedication to ensure good jobs, fair wages, and safe working conditions helped to improve the lives of millions of workers. “For more than a decade he guided the AFL-CIO, which represents more than 12.5 million workers, leading the labor movement’s efforts to create an economy based on broadly shared prosperity and to hold elected officials and employers accountable to working families. “The labor movement is part of the fabric of our communities. From the steel mills that built this nation, to the educators ensuring that our children will be able to compete in the 21 st century, labor, Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County are part and parcel of our region’s history and culture. “Trumka leaves behind an indelible legacy that we must all work together to continue to build upon. He will be missed.” Read more
West Mifflin, July 28 -- Today’s House Democratic Policy Committee tour at Kennywood highlighted the far-reaching impacts and boosts Kennywood and other state amusement parks have on the communities they call home. State Reps. Nick Pisciottano and Austin Davis welcomed chairman Ryan Bizzarro and members of the Policy Committee to Kennywood for a tour of the facility and round table on the jobs it brings to the region and further economic impacts on the tourism industry, trades and more. “Kennywood remains an economic driver for the Mon Valley, bringing in families from near and far,” said Davis, Vice Chair of the Policy Committee and chairman of the Allegheny County Delegation. “I continue to support efforts to boost tourism and recreational opportunities at Kennywood and other destinations like it across Pennsylvania, especially as they rebuild from the pandemic. Today’s discussion opened up pathways for solutions to boost our state’s finest attractions and keep them running for years to come.” “As a member of the House Tourism and Recreation Committee, I’ve been touring several great attractions across Allegheny County this summer, including Kennywood,” said state Rep. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny. “We know that many tourism sites across our state are continuing to recover from the pandemic, and we had a productive conversation about the best ways we can support them and help Read more
McKEESPORT, July 28 – State Rep. Austin Davis issued the following statement regarding state Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s announcement of an operation that disbanded a drug-trafficking ring in McKeesport, where agents seized several guns and a significant amount of illegal substances: “I want to thank Attorney General Josh Shapiro for his efforts in working with McKeesport and Elizabeth Township police departments to target people who bring drugs and guns into our community. “This effort highlights the need for safe communities and holding those who intend to cause harm responsible. But at the same time, we need to continue to work together to address the root causes of crime and violence – to end generational poverty and give our young people the opportunity to succeed in life. Whether that is funding underfunded schools, or helping folks find career training and employment opportunities, we need to be offering folks a hand up, hope and a chance to get away from the streets. “Reducing crime and violence in our communities remains my highest priority. I will continue to work in Harrisburg to help secure resources that will help deliver results here in the Mon Valley.” Editors/Assignment Desks: Photos from today’s press conference are available here . Read more
WEST MIFFLIN, July 26 – The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic impact of amusement parks on the regional economy is the topic of a tour and hearing hosted by state Rep. Nick Pisciottano. The tour will start at 9 a.m. on July 28th at Kennywood, 4800 Kennywood Blvd, West Mifflin, PA 15122. The media is encouraged to attend and media inquiries may be submitted via email to policy@pahouse.net . Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, will be joined by committee chair, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Allegheny County Delegation Chairman Austin Davis and members of the House Democratic Policy Committee to discuss the impacts of the pandemic on amusement parks, and their role in supporting the local economy and providing employment opportunities. Information about this and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at www.pahouse.com/policycommittee . Read more
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