Commissioners Contribute to Local Non-Profits

 

by Jonathan Weaver

County commissioners yesterday unanimously approved to give $5,000 to two county nonprofits via the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund.

Each passed through separate resolutions, commissioners gave $2,500 to Armstrong Habitat for Humanity and $2,500 to the Redbank Valley Municipal Park Commission.

According to the request sent by Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Michael McElhaney last week, funding will support two programs within the Wick City Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative.

Habitat for Humanity is focused on rehabilitating foreclosed or abandoned properties in Kittanning as well as providing critical repair assistance – such as roof repairs, handicap ramp installation and exterior painting - to local homeowners through the Brush with Kindness program.

Housing rehabilitation has already begun along Orr Avenue through a Women Build effort

Redbank Valley Municipal Park, along Park Road in Fairmount City, also received Legacy funding.

According to Commission President Ray Ishman, monies will be used to replace antiquated water and sewage lines.

Clarion County Commissioners have given $12,500 toward the project.

Park officials held a gaming night to kick-off camping season last weekend and are already promoting events each month and a July cruise-in to benefit local firefighters coordinated by the Rimersburg-based Knight Cruisers car club.

County Director of Administration Jennifer Long explained that commissioners receive about $65,000 annually through the Public Utility Commission based on Act 13 Marcellus Shale impact fees.

“We’ve decided $2,500 is a pretty good amount to start with now because we don’t know what’s coming down the pike. We’re expecting to get another hopefully $65,000 this year,” Long said.

Funding is expected to come during the beginning of the fiscal year, in July.

Long and Commissioner Jason Renshaw agreed the term ‘legacy’ helped commissioners decide on applicable projects.

“I kind of think that the Legacy is something that should last in the community – something you can see and touch,” Long said.

According to the state website, Act 13 of 2012 establishes the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.

Renshaw endorsed the two efforts funded Thursday and said commissioners are brainstorming ways to structure the process so more nonprofits can benefit.

“I think it’s a great use of the funds – it’s the ability to give back to the communities for a long-term investment,” Renshaw said. “It’s a great way to give back to the community and help it thrive.”

Commissioners are always seeking proposals from local nonprofit agencies.
After Thursday’s donations, commissioners have about $40,000 available, including some money that was left over from the 2014-15 fiscal year.

Previous Boards of Commissioners have donated funds toward the Downtown Kittanning Revitalization Project, the Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center and Farmland Preservation.

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