HERMITAGE, Nov. 19 – State Rep. Mark Longietti and state Sen. Michele Brooks announced today that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has awarded $426,067 in grants to fund expansions to the Hermitage Athletic Complex and improvements to Greenville’s Riverside Park and Hermitage’s Bobby Run stream. The Hermitage Athletic Complex was awarded $183,167, helping to advance a planned expansion that would include open play fields, softball and baseball fields, parking facilities, playgrounds, access drives, sidewalks and amenities related to the recreation complex. “From the day it opened, the Hermitage Athletic Complex has been tremendously popular with the community, both as a venue for local sports teams and their supporters and as a green space for folks looking to get outside and exercise,” Longietti said. “Now, the city will have the funds needed to acquire nearly 20 more acres to expand the complex and accommodate the growing demand for recreational opportunities.” “The impact of this award will extend far beyond the city of Hermitage,” Brooks said. “Residents from surrounding municipalities – including the cities of Sharon and Farrell and the boroughs of Sharpsville, Wheatland and West Middlesex – and truly the county as a whole will benefit from this expansion as competitions bring teams and their families into the area.” In addition to Read more
HERMITAGE, Nov. 9 – An award of $24,750 in state tax credits will leverage investments in projects to continue fighting blight and combat food insecurity, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding includes $13,750 in tax credits to the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County and $11,000 in tax credits to the Community Action Partnership of Mercer County. “This latest infusion of tax credits is going to bolster programs that have been working to improve lives and fight blight in our district,” Longietti said. “Community Food Warehouse is Mercer County’s primary source of emergency food assistance, and investments generated by these tax credits will allow the food bank to purchase, store, and mass-distribute fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods to alleviate hunger throughout our area. “The tax credits to Community Action Partnership will fund ongoing Sharon revitalization efforts by building on the Lots to Love Program. Management of cleared lots is critical to the program’s success to ensure that newly created vacant spaces do not invite crime or additional blight.” The tax credits are part of a package funded through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. The program encourages investment in distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital. The program can be used for projects such as affordable housing, Read more
HERMITAGE, Nov. 4 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, will host several free workshops on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help Mercer County residents learn whether they qualify and apply for the program. “With frost already in the air, I want to remind residents that the LIHEAP program is now open and that they can get free help applying at one of my workshops,” Longietti said. “This year, the minimum cash grant has increased from $200 to $500, and the maximum has increased from $1,000 to $1,500. The grants are sent directly to the utility provider and do not need to be repaid. I encourage anyone who may be struggling with heating bills to attend.” Longietti said the workshops will be held at the following times and places: Saturday Nov. 13 & Saturday, Nov. 20 ( open to public; walk-ins welcome ) 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Greenville Satellite Office Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce Bldg. 182 Main St., Greenville, PA 16125 Thursday, Nov. 18 ( Greenville House residents only ) 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Greenville House 9 N. Penn Ave., Greenville, PA 16125 Tuesday, Dec. 14 ( open to public; walk-ins welcome ) 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Pymatuning Township Municipal Bldg. 256 Edgewood Drive Ext., Transfer, PA 16154 Residents who want help applying for LIHEAP must bring a valid photo ID; recent heating bill; and the names, birthdates, Read more
HERMITAGE, Nov. 1 – Grant funding of $2.9 million will allow Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Co. to reduce its fleet’s diesel emissions by replacing an aging, diesel-powered locomotive with an electric model, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding awarded under the Marine and Rail Freight Movers Grant Program will allow the railroad to replace a nearly-50-year-old freight switcher locomotive with a new electric model powered by a lithium-ion battery – a move that will reduce the diesel-based nitrogen oxide emissions that harm human health. “Securing this funding to allow B&LER to replace some of its aging, diesel-powered equipment with low-emission electric equipment means the company can keep freight moving efficiently while at the same time reducing an important health risk,” Longietti said. “Exposure to diesel emissions is linked to a higher risk of lung cancer and other diseases, so any steps we can take to reduce that exposure directly benefits workers as well as residents in the vicinity.” In addition to the locomotive being replaced, B&LER operates a fleet of six long-haul locomotives and three additional freight-switcher locomotives. The grant is part of a package of $9.5 million in “Driving PA Forward” funding, which supplies the Marine and Rail Freight Movers Grant Program and the Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling Grant Program. Read more
HERMITAGE, Oct. 26 – Students at Zion Education Center in Farrell will have new opportunities to learn about nutrition and agriculture, thanks to a $15,000 grant that will fund hands-on greenhouse programs and cooking demonstrations, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding comes from the state Department of Agriculture under the Pennsylvania Farm Bill’s Farm to School Grant Program. “Programs funded by this grant will teach young students about the importance of nutritious, farm-to-table foods and the ways they can participate in making healthy eating choices and even growing their own food. Those are great lessons at an important age that can shape kids’ habits and even possibly inspire future farmers.” The grant is part of a package of funding to 47 projects designed to improve access to healthy local foods and boost agricultural learning for pre-K through fifth grade students. More information about the funding is available here . Read more
My latest newsletter is now available online and offers a look at recent legislation, new funding, and pictures from around the district! You can read it here. Read more
HERMITAGE, Oct. 7 – State Rep. Mark Longiett i, D-Mercer, is hosting a free flu shot clinic in partnership with Primary Health Network. The clinic will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 15 at the Greenville Knights of Columbus , 170 Clarksville St. (Route 18) in Greenville. “Getting a flu shot now allows folks to get a jump on protection and shore up their immunity before flu activity starts ramping up in winter,” Longietti said. “This year, the clinic will also offer a limited number of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, so residents who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine – or who are eligible for a third Moderna shot based on compromised immunity – will have an opportunity to get that, as well.” Longietti said participants must bring a valid photo ID and insurance card to receive a shot. Pre-registration is preferred (though not mandatory) and can be done by visiting www.primary-health.net or calling (724) 699-9211 and selecting option 3. Residents with questions may also call Longietti’s district office Monday through Friday at (724) 981-4655 or his satellite Greenville office on Tuesdays or Thursdays at (724) 588-1005. Read more
HERMITAGE, Sept. 28 – Mercer County veterans in need will benefit from stronger support services, thanks to $52,762 in grant funding from the Veterans Trust Fund, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti said two separate grants – including $32,762 to the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County and $20,000 to the Mercer County Office of Veterans Affairs – from the Veterans’ Trust Fund will expand outreach to veterans in need and ensure they and their families do not face food insecurity. “Veterans devote some of their prime years to serving our country, and they often continue giving back after their service, through volunteerism and community support work,” Longietti said. “But these heroes sometimes struggle themselves. Service has its costs, and some veterans face issues such as post-traumatic stress and depression. Others – like many in our community – are still feeling the impacts of the pandemic and the threat of homelessness and food insecurity. “This funding will help ensure that the full range of services – including housing, food, employment, behavioral health counseling and other social services – are available for those who have given so much of themselves to defend our freedom.” The Veterans Trust Fund is supported by Pennsylvanians who make a $3 donation when applying for or renewing their driver’s license, photo Read more
HERMITAGE, Sept. 2 – Area seniors will want to mark their calendars for state Rep. Mark Longietti’s 14th annual Senior & Health Education Fair, which is returning to Sharon later this month after a one-year hiatus. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 at the Sharon American Legion, 1395 E. State St. “The senior fair is returning this month after a one-year hiatus, and I am pleased to be back hosting this popular event for our large, vibrant senior community,” Longietti said. “As in previous years, the fair will feature dozens of exhibits showcasing the latest products and services for seniors, from fitness and health to housing and finance. “Seniors will also find free health screenings, door prizes and valuable information on state programs and services. There’s something for everyone – I encourage everyone to come see what’s new.” Longietti said there is no need to pre-register for the event and that walk-ins are welcome. Face masks are recommended. Those interested in learning more should contact Longietti’s Hermitage office at 724-981-4655. Read more
HERMITAGE, Aug. 18 – Grant funding of $7,000 will help ensure Shenango Township firefighters are equipped to handle the recurring risk of brush fires that threaten the region, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the Volunteer Fire Assistance grant to the Shenango Township Volunteer Fire Department will fund training and equipment geared toward meeting the specific challenges posed by fighting fires in dense brush. “Shenango’s volunteer firefighters are vigilant about fighting brush fires, but the work – which often requires transporting heavy water tanks through dense vegetation – never gets any less dangerous or difficult,” Longietti said. “This spring was no exception, when firefighters braved thorny terrain and other obstacles to contain multiple fires spurred on by dry conditions and high winds. “With the threat likely to recur as fall brings drier air and fallen leaves, securing this funding now will give first responders a key chance to replenish equipment and renew training so they have the resources needed to stay safe while protecting lives, wildlife and property.” The funding is part of a package of more than $600,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants to 109 volunteer fire companies in the state. The grants are administered through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and paid through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Read more
HERMITAGE, Aug. 4 – Grant funding of $65,585 will help ensure more Sharon students have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today. Longietti, who is Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, said the funding awarded under the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program consists of three separate grants to elementary schools in the Sharon City School District. “Kids need fresh, nutrient-rich foods to thrive and learn,” Longietti said. “This year, expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables is especially important because these healthier snacks can boost immunity in a setting where germs and close contact are inevitable. The funding is great news for Sharon’s grade-schoolers and their families.” Longietti said the grants are part of a package of more than $7 million awarded to 288 elementary schools statewide under the FFVP. Funding priority was given to the schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. More information about the grants is available here , and a full list of the schools receiving funding is available here . Read more
HERMITAGE, July 23 – A state grant of nearly $4.1 million will fund a major overhaul of Greenville’s water distribution system, including replacement of the aging, corroded pipes used to supply the borough’s drinking water, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority will allow the Greenville Water Authority to replace existing cast iron and lead pipes with 9,600 feet of new main, addressing longstanding problems caused by aging, corroded infrastructure. “Greenville residents have been living with an antiquated water distribution system plagued by a history of leaks, main breaks and service interruptions,” Longietti said. “In some cases, the pipes are more than 100 years old. It’s an issue that has affected quality of life and could lead to health risks if not addressed. “The funding awarded today will bring much-needed, long-overdue modernizations that will prevent future service interruptions, enhance public health and create jobs.” Longietti said that in addition to construction of new water main, the project will include construction and installation of new fire hydrants, service lines, connections, valves and related upgrades. Greenville is an Act 47 Distressed Community, and Longietti said the project would not have been possible without the funding. The grant was Read more
HERMITAGE, June 29 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced that 13 fire and EMS companies in the 7 th Legislative District were awarded $162,652 in state grants. “Over the past year, our first responders remained on the front lines, standing between our community and danger, despite a litany of new risks and challenges,” Longietti said. “Securing this funding will help them with essential needs such as training, building repairs and restoring unanticipated expenses created by the pandemic.” Longietti said the following fire companies will receive grants in these amounts: Clark Volunteer Fire Department – $12,767. Farrell Volunteer Fire Department Inc. – $11,876. Greenville Fire Department – $13,302. Greenville Fire Department (EMS) – $8,993. Greenville Volunteer Fire Company – $11,698. Sharon Fire Department – $15,000. Sharpsville Volunteer Fire Department – $13,837. Shenango Township Volunteer Fire Department – $12,411. South Pymatuning Township Volunteer Fire Association – $11,698. Transfer Volunteer Fire Department – $13,837. West Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department – $13,302. West Salem Fire Department – $12,233. Wheatland Volunteer Fire Department – $11,698. The grants are made possible by the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Read more
HARRISBURG, June 26 – A bill headed to the governor’s desk would give families of drug rehabilitation patients a chance at lifesaving intervention when those patients check themselves out against medical advice, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced. House Bill 944 , which Longietti introduced with state Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Westmoreland, would require inpatient rehabilitation facilities to notify a patient’s designated emergency contact – a measure considered best practice but not currently mandated under state law – when the patient leaves addiction treatment against the provider’s advice. “This legislation offers a chance for family members to learn of a loved one’s decision – often impulsive and made under pressure or impaired judgment – to leave treatment and return to the lure of addictive drugs,” Longietti said. “By requiring timely notification of the emergency contact, we are giving family members the chance they deserve, when seconds count, to try to get their loved one to safety. There are no guarantees, but by mandating notification, we are at least opening a window of opportunity.” In April, the House unanimously passed a version of the bill, which was then amended in the state Senate. The amended version clarifies that the provider meets it obligation under the proposed law by making at least one attempt to notify the emergency contact using the method designated by Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Mark Longietti voted to support Pennsylvania’s new budget plan, which passed the House and Senate this evening. Longietti, D-Mercer, said he believes the $40 billion plan strikes a good balance between funding existing programs and services, reserving “rainy day” funding for future emergencies, and investing to bolster educational resources for school districts where those resources have been lacking. “I’m encouraged that the plan we passed holds the line on taxes while also increasing basic education funding by $300 million,” said Longietti, who is Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee. “That increase includes $100 million to level the playing field for grossly underfunded schools, including those in the Farrell Area, Greenville Area, and Sharon City school districts. “It’s critical to ensure that students from lower-income communities receive the same opportunities to compete for good, family-sustaining jobs as those in wealthier districts. I believe the budget we passed today brings us one step closer to that.” Longietti said other education increases include $50 million for special education; $30 million for early childhood education, and $11 million for early intervention for 3- to 5-year-olds. “Additional support to give kids the right start in life makes a huge difference in determining future success, Read more
HERMITAGE, June 11 – State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, is hosting two free workshops this month to help residents learn more about the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and assist them with the application process. “The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been around for 50 years and remains one of the most valuable programs the state offers,” Longietti said. “My two workshops this month will help residents learn more about the program, find answers to questions and even get help applying. “This week, the Department of Revenue announced that it was extending the application deadline to Dec. 31, but I encourage anyone interested – particularly those who may be newly eligible for the program – to get a jump on things by attending one of my sessions.” Both workshops will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Dates and locations are: Thursday, June 17 at the Pymatuning Township Building, 256 Edgewood Drive Ext., Transfer, PA 16154. Wednesday, June 23 at the Greenville Municipal Building (Council Chamber Room), 125 Main St., Greenville PA 16125. Longietti said residents who would like help applying for a rebate must bring identification, proof of 2020 income and a statement of 2020 rent paid (or a receipt of 2020 taxes paid, if homeowners.) Walk-ins are welcome, and there is no need to pre-register. Anyone with questions Read more
HERMITAGE, June 10 – Grant funding of $120,000 will allow the city of Sharon to move forward with an innovative plan for repurposing vacant lots, state Rep. Mark Longietti, D- Mercer, announced today. Longietti said the funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund – is going to build on efforts already underway to revitalize Sharon’s landscape. “This funding is wonderful news for the city of Sharon and complements last month’s funding of $150,000 the city received to help with demolition of 38 fire-damaged properties and preparation of those sites for redevelopment,” Longietti said. “Through that funding and other investments, Sharon has already committed significant resources to clearing blight. “The next step is repurposing those vacant lots before they become breeding grounds for vandalism or waste, and the Lots to Love program provides an innovative strategy for doing just that. Thanks to this new funding from the Housing Finance Agency, the program will now be fully funded, and Sharon can move forward with work that will transform those spaces into places of growth, revitalization and potential. It’s exciting news for Sharon’s future.” Longietti said funding for the grant comes from state realty transfer taxes. Read more
HERMITAGE, June 9 – Grant funding of $212,130 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will help Mercer County residents struggling with substance abuse and provide offenders treatment-based alternatives to incarceration, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding includes two separate grants – $122,130 to the Mercer County Behavior Health Commission to implement the Say it Straight program and $90,000 to the Mercer County Commissioners to support the Mercer County Treatment Court. "Securing this funding will allow Mercer County to implement the Say it Straight program, to help residents recovering from substance use disorder stay on the right path,” Longietti said. “That support also helps them restore healthy relationships with their families and reestablish jobs and productive ties in the neighborhood – all of which strengthens our community. “The funding will also bolster an important asset of our county justice system – the Mercer County Treatment Court – which works to reduce recidivism rates by helping offenders remain free of drug and alcohol addiction. That benefits taxpayers by reducing the costs of incarceration and returns former offenders to the community as productive wage earners.” More information on PCCD is available at www.pccd.pa.gov . Read more
HERMITAGE, June 2 – A $32,762 grant from the Veterans’ Trust Fund will ensure Mercer County veterans and their families will not have to face food insecurity, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. Longietti, D-Mercer, said the funding to Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County under the Military Share Program will help the organization continue an important program that has expanded in recent years. “Our veterans have put aside various life opportunities and sacrificed precious time with loved ones to serve our nation. The least we can do is ensure that these proud patriots and their families never struggle to put food on the table. “The Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County has been successfully serving veterans and their families through a unique distribution system that takes place outside of distribution to the general public, preserving dignity and privacy for these military families. “The program recently exceeded its goals by tripling the number of households served. Securing this new grant will allow the organization to build on that success and continue giving back to those who occupy such a special place in our community.” Longietti said the CFWMC is a member of the Feeding America network of food banks, which conducted a national study indicating that approximately 20% of households served by these food banks has at least one member who served in the military. More Read more
HARRISBURG, May 25 – The borough of Greenville and the city of Sharon have been awarded state grants to fight blight, Sen. Michele Brooks and Rep. Mark Longietti announced today after a meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. In the Greenville project, the borough will receive $212,220 to support the demolition and rehabilitation of seven structures along Main and Shenango streets. To advance the Sharon project, $150,000 was awarded to help with the strategic demolition of 38 fire-damaged properties and the preparation of these sites for redevelopment. “Funding for these two projects will help to increase the value and appeal of properties in the community, and can be a catalyst for new jobs, economic growth and a larger community renaissance,” Brooks said. “These grant funds will build on the community’s investment in these critical areas of our hometowns.” Longietti said: “Greenville has been making strides as it works to exit its status as a distressed community, and several downtown property owners have already committed resources for renovation. Blight is still an obstacle to additional redevelopment, however. The grant awarded today will fund blight remediation for seven downtown buildings and properties, helping the borough continue redefining and revitalizing itself. “Likewise, Sharon has been working to attack blight through a coordinated plan that identifies demolition of Read more
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2213 Shenango Valley Freeway, Unit 2-EHermitage, PA 16148
P*: (724) 981-4655
F*: (724) 981-6528
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
182 Main St. Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce BuildingGreenville, PA 16125
P*: (724) 588-1005
F*: (724) 588-1023
Hours of Operation - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
202 Irvis Office BuildingPO Box 202007Harrisburg, PA 17120-2007
P*: (717) 772-4035
F*: (717) 780-4785