AMBRIDGE, Jan. 12 – Two organizations serving Beaver County veterans have been awarded nearly $400,000 to strengthen job training and career opportunities for those who have served, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. “Veterans often leave the military with experience and skills that can be valuable to civilian employers, but the transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, and veterans can face obstacles to finding good jobs,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help them strengthen existing skills and gain new, specialized ones to smooth their path to employment.” Matzie said the funding includes: $200,000 to the Veterans Leadership Program, for a project to train Beaver, Fayette and Clearfield county veterans in marketable job skills, help them obtain certificates, connect them with employers and provide financial assistance with employment-related expenses. $199,979 to NuPaths for a project to train 24 veterans living in Beaver County and several other counties for entry-level software testing analyst and project analyst jobs by providing technical skills training, industry certifications and the job search and readiness skills needed to begin an apprenticeship or full-time IT job. More information about the grants, which are administered by the state Department of Labor and Industry, is available here: Read more
AMBRIDGE, Jan. 10 – New funding of $50,000 approved for the Beaver County-based Crop and Kettle will allow the nonprofit to expand resources for urban agriculture training, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding awarded under the 2022-23 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Grant program can help provide residents a path to productive jobs. “Beyond fighting food insecurity, urban agriculture can open doors to jobs,” Matzie said. “The funding awarded today will expand resources for Crop and Kettle so this community nonprofit organization can continue providing the training and social development skills that help residents overcome employment barriers.” More information on the funding is available here: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=1290 . Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 21 – A $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will fund new resources for The Beaver County Career and Technology Center, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the Career and Technical Education Equipment grant will help ensure Beaver County CTC graduates are ready to compete in the modern workplace. “Maintaining state-of-the-art equipment is essential for preparing career and tech students to hit the ground running,” Matzie said. “The new funding will ensure Beaver County CTC has the resources needed to train students in cutting-edge techniques so they can step into family sustaining jobs. It will also help ensure regional businesses have the well-trained workforce they need to stay competitive.” More on Career and Technical Education grants is available here: https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Career%20and%20Technical%20Education/Grants/Pages/default.aspx . Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 20 – Nearly $200,000 in new funding from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will fund streetscape improvements for the city of Aliquippa and storefront renovations in Monaca, among other improvements, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the grants awarded under the Keystone Communities Program include $100,000 to the Aliquippa Economic Development Corp. for the Clean and Safe Franklin Avenue project and $45,000 to the Monaca Community Development Corp. for the Façade Grant Program. “The new funding will bring fresh changes to the Aliquippa and Monaca downtown areas,” Matzie said. “The grant to Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation will fund streetscape improvements to the Franklin Avenue corridor, supporting the city’s efforts to make real substantive change to the downtown’s appearance.” “Likewise, the funding to the Monaca Community Development Corporation will support work to restore building facades in the downtown area, which will draw more pedestrian traffic and boost area stores.” Matzie said that in addition to the Aliquippa and Monaca funding in his district, the Beaver Falls Community Development Corp. was awarded $43,500 to renovate a home through the Jubilee Housing Project. Keystone community grants are administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 15 – New funding of $25,000 will allow The Franklin Center of Beaver County to bolster security, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today. Matzie said the funding to the Aliquippa facility was administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. “The Franklin Center is a place of hope for our community, where folks in need can find essential resources and opportunities,” Matzie said. “It’s essential that staff who work there and the residents they serve feel secure. This new funding will provide the additional resources to make that happen.” Matzie said grants under the program may be used for a wide range of resources, including safety planning, training, and threat assessments; equipment and technology such as metal detectors, theft-control devices, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, emergency communications equipment, and other facility upgrades; and specially trained canines. The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund provides funding to nonprofits that principally serve people, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication. The categories include race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Dec. 14 – More than $3.1 million in new grants will allow Beaver County to upgrade law enforcement recordkeeping and computer systems, provide additional resources for crimefighting and support victims, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will lead to greater efficiency and swifter justice for crime victims. “Securing this funding is going to put tougher crimefighting tools into the hands of Beaver County police and bolster county resources for investigating, tracking, and prosecuting crimes and supporting victims,” Matzie said. “Part of the funding will be used to upgrade records management and computer systems for law enforcement countywide, which will make those systems more efficient. The end result is speedier justice, safer communities and greater peace of mind for residents. Matzie said the funding to the 16th Legislative District includes: • More than $2.6 million to Beaver County Commissioners to upgrade the records management system and computer equipment for 22 participating law enforcement agencies in Beavery County. • $291,000 to Beaver County Commissions to ensure crime victims whose cases are prosecuted within the criminal and juvenile courts receive proper protections. • $88,014 to Rochester Township Police for technology upgrades. • $47,000 to A Child’s Place at Beaver to Read more
AMBRIDGE, Nov. 19 – Major infrastructure and housing projects in Hopewell and Aliquippa are getting new infusions of funding, thanks to additional grants totaling $434,350 from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding includes an additional $250,000 to G&B Development Hopewell LLC for major public improvements to the Hopewell Business Park (bringing total funding for the project to $2 million this year) and an additional $184,350 to the Beaver County Industrial Development Authority for The Bricks affordable housing project (bringing total project funding to $934,350 this year). “Securing additional funds for The Bricks Project maintains my commitment to the city of Aliquippa and Mayor Dwan Walker to partner on projects important to their community,” Matzie said. “The Hopewell Business Park has been a workplace destination since its construction decades ago, and this project will allow the business park to grow to meet the demands of the airport corridor.” The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is administered by the Office of the Budget for acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. Read more
AMBRIDGE, NOV. 3 – Nearly $420,000 in tax credits awarded under the state Neighborhood Assistance Program will leverage investments in Beaver County projects to continue revitalizing Downtown Aliquippa and boost digital literacy for job seekers, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding includes a $400,000 tax credit for the Aliquippa Economic Development Corp. for pedestrian improvements to Franklin Avenue. “I pushed hard to secure this funding to continue our momentum in Downtown Aliquippa,” Matzie said. “Partnering with Mayor Dwan Walker and Aliquippa leaders to create safe, inviting spaces to downtown is an essential part of those efforts. The new funding will allow Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation to move forward with work on Franklin Avenue to upgrade sidewalks and lighting and add crossing lights and related street improvements.” Matzie said a second tax credit of nearly $20,000 will bolster the work of Literacy Pittsburgh, a Monaca organization that helps students transition to jobs. “The new funding is going to support Literacy Pittsburgh’s efforts to help job seekers in underserved areas develop digital literacy skills, so they have a better shot at finding work,” Matzie said. “It’s a practical program designed to help folks achieve real-world success.” The state’s NAP encourages private sector Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 26 – New funding of $7 million secured from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will support major projects in Ambridge, Hopewell and Aliquippa, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding includes $4.5 million to Centria Enterprises LLC for Phase I work on the Ambridge Community Center Sports Complex; $1.75 million to G&B Development Hopewell LLC to add major public improvements to the Hopewell Business Park; and $750,000 to the Beaver County Industrial Development Authority site preparation and construction of new housing in Aliquippa. “Bringing tax dollars home is one of, if not the most, important facets of serving as a state legislator,” Matzie said. “RACP funds are competitive and come from a limited pool of dollars. They are not randomly allocated. If a project meets the set criteria, it is up to the individual legislators, through experience and expertise, to champion those projects and secure the funding. I am proud to have done so for these worthy ventures. “Phase I of the Ambridge Community Center Sports Complex will begin to turn the Centria Steel Mill into a multi-use sports complex. “The Hopewell Business Park funding will allow for the completion of vitally needed public improvements, setting the state for further growth and development. “Finally, the grant to Beaver County will support work on The Bricks site in Aliquippa Read more
AMBRIDGE, Oct. 6 – New job training and related resources are on the horizon for Beaver County residents re-entering the community after incarceration thanks to $10 million in new federal funding, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced. Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding under the First Step Act Initiative will support a statewide re-entry program to reduce recidivism and strengthen the region’s workforce. “For people returning to the community after incarceration, a chance at a decent-paying job offers the best path back to building a new life,” Matzie said. “Unfortunately, many lack the training and skills needed to find those opportunities. “With this new funding, the state will create a re-entry program that offers job training in areas that meet the specific needs of regional employers. Having specialized skills that make them attractive to employers – sometimes for the first time in their lives – empowers people, gives them a chance to return to their families and cuts the chances of their returning to crime. The entire community feels the impact of that success. “I will be working to ensure Beaver County reaps the full benefits of the new program.” More information about the funding is available here: Read more
Legalized sports betting has proved to be a real shot in the arm to our region, and I am very proud of the hard work it took to make this happen. This will be a useful revenue source for state and local governments in Pennsylvania for a long time. Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 31 – More fresh produce is headed to Beaver County elementary schools, thanks to nearly $85,000 in grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, announced today . Matzie said the funding awarded under the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program includes $38,570 to the Aliquippa School District, $22,330 to the Ambridge Area School District and $24,080 to the Rochester Area School District. “Providing fresh produce for school snacks helps kids concentrate and retain information better and gives them stronger resistance to germs and illness,” Matzie said. “Better nutrition is tied to better test scores, fewer absences and kids that are more energized to learn. Securing this funding is going to help fuel learning in all the right ways.” 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
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 9 -- State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement in response to news that state and federal officials are charging the owner and several former directors and managers of Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center with health care fraud : “The indictments announced today are disturbing but, sadly, not surprising. “As far back as early in 2020, I asked Attorney General Shapiro to investigate Brighton Rehab for their apparent malfeasance in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and other concerning information conveyed to me by residents’ families regarding the conditions and administration of the facility. “Seniors in skilled nursing facilities are an extremely vulnerable population. When families make the gut-wrenching decision to admit a loved one, they have a right under the law to expect the highest level of care and an honest accounting of that care. According to the indictment today, that was not the case at Brighton Rehab, to the point of criminal charges being filed.” Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: Election Integrity Grant Program (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania counties. Use : To support the work of county governments and their election offices. Funds : Funding is allocated proportionally based upon the number of registered voters within the county in the previous primary election. Application Deadline : August 15, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Rail Freight Assistance Program (Funding Source: Multimodal Transportation Fund) Who May Apply : Freight railroads, freight railroad-served shippers, and economic development entities. Use : To support investment in rail freight infrastructure. Funds : The maximum state funding for a RFAP project is 70 percent of the total project costs, not to exceed $700,000. Application Deadline : September 2, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.penndot.pa.gov/Doing-Business/RailFreightAndPorts/Pages/Grants-and-Loans.aspx . Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Rail Transportation Assistance Program (Funding Source: General Obligation Debt) Who May Apply : Freight railroads, freight railroad-served Read more
AMBRIDGE, Aug. 2 – Beaver County preschoolers will have greater access to early learning resources thanks to nearly $1.5 million in funding awarded to bolster area Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance programs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding from the state Department of Education’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning will increase the number of available Pre-K Counts slots and help ensure that area Head Start programs have the resources to manage increased operating costs. “The right start in life makes all the difference in the world,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding means more kids in our community will benefit from early learning programs that stimulate young minds, help kids build confidence and interact with peers, and ensure that they have the nutrition and health resources they need to thrive.” Matzie said the funding includes the following: Pre-K Counts Aliquippa School District – $400,000 Chippewa Noah’s Ark LLC – $170,000 Head Start Private Industry Council (serving Beaver and Fayette counties) – $925,900 More information on the grants is available here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-more-than-384-million-in-grants-for-early-childhood-education/ Read more
STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Pregnancy Support Services Grant (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Any entity that is able to serve pregnant or postpartum women in recovery from SUD. Use : To provide support services to pregnant women and postpartum women in recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Funds: Awards up to $600,000. Application Deadline : July 29, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Documents/Funding%20documents/GIFA%2022-03%20Pregnancy%20Support%20Service.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : School districts, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in Pennsylvania. Use : To assist in a transition to cleaner fuel transportation. Funds : Up to $300,000 per applicant. Application Deadline : There are two application periods. The program will collect and review all applications submitted by August 26, 2022, and again by December 16, 2022. More Information : Click on https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/Alternative-Fuels-Incentive-Grant/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Statewide Victim Witness Training Project 2023 Read more
AMBRIDGE, July 14 – Nearly $1.4 million awarded to build and modernize Pennsylvania’s registered apprenticeship system will bring greater career opportunities to Beaver County, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding will give local students and job seekers a leg up in securing good-paying jobs by connecting them with trusted work partners. “Students and job seekers who go through pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs benefit from early exposure to career information, real-life experience with trusted local employers, and a steadier path to family sustaining jobs in key trades,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding is going to expand all of those opportunities right here in Beaver County.” Matzie said the funding includes: $450,000 to KML Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund to expand its Carpenters Apprentice Readiness Program to 100 pre-apprentices. $400,000 to the Pittsburgh A. Philip Randolph Institute Education Fund for the Breaking the Chains of Poverty program, which trains minorities and women for apprenticeships and entry-level jobs in the construction, manufacturing, energy and related industries. The fund plans to train a minimum of 64 students during the grant period and place a minimum of 48. $324,500 to Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania Inc. for a Careers in Skilled Read more
HARRISBURG, July 8 -- State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, issued the following statement after casting a “yes” vote for the state budget bill: “Budgets are never easy. We live in a big Commonwealth with many diverse needs. Finding common ground is often difficult. But there were numerous positives, especially to Beaver County, that made it easy to support. “Substantial increases for schools, libraries and community colleges stand out, along with fulfilling our commitments to our state and state-related universities. “Two important areas of particular concern – school safety and mental health awareness/treatment – received large increases, which should help make our schools and communities a bit safer. “Further, my legislation requiring the full use of LIHEAP funding was passed as part of the overall budget package, which will authorize the release of tens of millions of additional dollars to help people pay their utility bills this winter. “At the end of the day, this budget makes a substantial investment in our children and workforce, helps struggling families and funds the core functions of state government, all without raising a tax or fee. For me, that’s always a win, and an easy ‘yes’ vote.” The bill has passed the General Assembly and is now headed for the governor’s desk. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Rob Matzie today introduced a package of bills to ensure that more Pennsylvanians benefit from the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, including a bill that would require the state to distribute all the annual federal funding it receives for the program and a measure that would implement the program year-round. As Democratic chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee, Matzie said he introduced the legislation to end the state’s harmful practice of withholding some of the annual federal funding it receives – a practice that has kept tens of millions of dollars from getting to families needing it. “These are federal tax dollars coming back home to Pennsylvania,” Matzie said. “We should use every penny. This program has never not been funded – it’s one of the few policy areas in D.C. that has consistently been supported by both sides of the aisle. People are struggling and the electric bill just went up. Something needs done to help families. This can help.” Matzie said his legislation would also broaden LIHEAP to provide year-round assistance. “As the last few years have shown us, cooling in the summer is as important as heat in the winter. People need help year round,” he said. The five bills in Matzie’s package include: H.B. 2691 – would require the state Department of Human Services to expend all of the money it Read more
AMBRIDGE, June 10 – Beaver County housing assistance programs are receiving nearly $600,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the funding will expand housing-related services at a critical time. “Everyone needs a safe place to call home, but the pandemic has driven up the need for emergency housing while reducing the out-of-county shelter options that previously filled that need,” Matzie said. “Part of the funding secured today is going to support construction of a new men’s emergency shelter. Other funding will expand rapid rehousing, rent and utility assistance, and home modification programs. All of these dollars will work to bring greater stability to families needing it most.” Matzie said the funding to Beaver County includes: $200,000 to The Cornerstone of Beaver County for shelter operations. $175,000 to The Salvation Army for a rapid rehousing program. $100,000 to the Beaver County Commissioners for a home modification program. $50,000 to Community Development Program of Beaver County for rent/utility assistance. $50,000 to Housing Opportunities of Beaver County, Inc. for reverse mortgage counseling. In addition, Matzie said organization in Allegheny County will receive $600,000 for housing Read more
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