Rep. Frank Burns | News Center

News Center

Burns' military tuition bill passes key Senate committee, heads to full chamber for vote

(Sep 21, 2021) Rep. Frank Burns

Legislation would guarantee in-state tuition for military families Read more

Burns holds ceremony honoring local military hero

(Sep 10, 2021) Rep. Frank Burns

Local bridge named for man who gave his life in service of his nation Read more

Burns, Saint Francis to launch Dolly Parton Imagination Library later this month

(Sep 07, 2021) Rep. Frank Burns

Children’s book program made possible thanks to state grant Read more

Burns: Grants available to support law enforcement

(Aug 31, 2021) Rep. Frank Burns

Says his office stands ready to support local police Read more

Grant opportunity available for small businesses, farmers

(Aug 20, 2021) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Aug. 20 – State Rep. Frank Burns detailed yet another state grant opportunity for area businesses this week. The Small Business Advantage Grant program is currently accepting applications from farms and small businesses looking to improve their operations through energy efficiency, pollution prevention and natural resource protection. “DEP is making a million dollars available for this program, and it’s awarding up to $5,000 for each grant so this program is a huge prospect for farms and businesses,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “I want to make sure eligible entities in my district have the same chance as any other entity in the state to apply, so that’s why I announce these opportunities, list them on my website and offer help with the application process.” Grants are available for HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency LED lighting, solvent recovery and waste recycling systems, auxiliary power units that eliminate truck engine idling, and other projects that reduce energy use, as well as streambank buffers, livestock fencing, and other agricultural stormwater runoff management projects. The Department of Environmental Protection will accept applications for this program until the funds are exhausted for this fiscal year. Those eligible are Pennsylvania small business owners and farmers with 100 or fewer full-time employees. More Read more

Local fire departments to benefit from $19,132 in grant funding for wildfire protection

(Aug 18, 2021) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Frank Burns announced today that five local fire departments received state grants to support their communities with increased protection from wildfires. “Smaller communities, especially rural areas, deal with the same fire dangers larger cities have, such as building fires and vehicle accidents, but they also have to be prepared to handle brush and forest fires,” Burns said. “These grants are designed to help make sure those departments are prepared and trained to battle these types of potentially deadly situations.” The departments receiving funding within the 72nd District: • Ashville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 -- $1,600. • Carrolltown Fire Co. -- $4,480. • East Taylor Volunteer Fire Co. -- $665. • Gallitzin Fire Co. No. 1 -- $10,000. • Loretto Fire Co. -- $2,387. The Rural Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Grant program, awarded through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources from federal grants from the U.S. Agriculture Department, helps local departments in rural areas and communities with fewer than 10,000 people. Funding may be used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. The grants were awarded on a cost-share basis, with the maximum grant being $10,000, not to exceed 50% of the entity’s actual expenditures. Read more

Burns: Year-long effort, collaboration yield $55k in state grants

(Aug 16, 2021) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Aug. 16 – In a prime example of collaboration leading to success, state Rep. Frank Burns is announcing $55,000 in state grants to fund four projects, made possible through his partnership with the Johnstown-based 1889 Foundation. Burns, D-Cambria, said since these small-scale projects don’t always qualify for other state aid, the situation required a persistent and creative approach that took more than a year and included $20,000 in additional help from the foundation. “Because we worked together for the common good, these four projects will not meet the fate of falling between the funding cracks,” Burns said. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way. In this case, we had the collective will – and the 1889 Foundation was instrumental in helping find a way.” Burns listed the grant recipients, amounts and projects as: Keystone Regional Fire & Rescue Department -- $21,598 for purchase of a new generator for its fire hall. Reade Township -- $18,120 for recreation area fencing. Patton Park -- $9,440 for a security system for its park and swimming pool. Cresson Lions Club -- $5,842 for a swimming pool water purification/chemical system. Susan M. Mann, 1889 Foundation president, whose organization supports innovative programs and initiatives that improve and transform the health and wellness of the region, said its members Read more