New Harmar police cruiser, Penn Hills road work assisted by state grants

Harmar police will be patrolling in a new vehicle this year.

The township was awarded $50,000 through U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio’s office for the purchase.

Chief Jason Domaratz said the grant will be used to replace an outdated cruiser.

“A reliable police vehicle is a very important in the protection of the people of the community and visitors,” Domaratz said.

Money for the township was among more than $15 million secured by Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, for projects across the 17th District.

“This is stuff that’s going to make life better for us in Western Pennsylvania,” Deluzio said.

Other funding includes $132,000 for a Sharpsburg stormwater project at Kennedy Park, $800,000 for rehabilitation of Old William Penn Highway in Penn Hills and $3 million for a community center in Etna.

Megan Tunon, Etna Community Organization executive director, said the facility was deemed the top priority by residents during a three-year planning process.

“Bringing a library and community center back to our borough will be transformational,” Tunon said. “We are so grateful to Congressman Deluzio and his staff for helping to make our community’s dream a reality.”

The project will not only serve Etna residents but those from nearby communities with access to computers, internet, child care and other services.

Borough Manager Mary Ellen Ramage said the community is thrilled to see the return of a library, a service which was lost years ago.

“This resource center is vital to providing opportunities for, and to, everyone in our community,” Ramage said. “We want everyone to thrive.”

In Penn Hills, funding will pay to repair a partially collapsed section of Old William Penn Highway. The road serves as a main artery connecting Penn Hills to the Parkway East.

Mayor Pauline Calabrese said the grant is “delivering much-needed funds” to repair the crucial stretch of road.

Deluzio fought for the funding, he said, because “it will go directly to things that matter to us in Western Pennsylvania: better roads and transit service, funding for cops and firefighters, parks and housing, infrastructure and business district revitalization.”