Sen. White Presents Checks for Armstrong Co. Projects

$101,000 for job creation, animal protection, quality of life efforts

State Senator Don White, R-41st District, presented checks totaling $101,000 to three local organizations and spoke with students during his visit to Armstrong County on Thursday.

Armstrong County received the lion's share of the funding as it received two checks during a presentation at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Armstrong Campus building on North McKean Street in Kittanning.

The County received a $26,000 check to fund a study of potential uses for the IUP building once the Armstrong Campus completes its move to its new location in Northpointe, South Buffalo Township. Rehabilitation and reuse of the soon-to-be former IUP Campus is among Senator White's top priorities in Armstrong County.

"The IUP building, with its location in the heart of Kittanning, is a key asset to the community. The study will help the Armstrong County Industrial Development Council develop plans and a strategy to find new occupants for the building and maintain its role in the community's economy," Senator White said.

The county also received $40,000 to help pay for signs along Route 28 to help motorists find the Northpointe Industrial Park.

"Northpointe is a growing business center for our region. It continues to build momentum, and the lack of identifying signs on Route 28 makes it difficult for the businesses in the park and for the visitors who are trying to find those companies," Senator White said. "This grant will help rectify that and give another boost to the economic development and job creation efforts of Armstrong County."

Prior to his visit to the IUP building, Senator White literally went to the dogs (and cats), as he visited the Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Rayburn Township to present that organization with a $25,000 grant.

"Orphans of the Storm plans to use the money to expand its facilities - something that, unfortunately, is necessary," Senator White said. "In the best of all worlds, we wouldn't need this shelter. However, for the hundreds of stray and abandoned animals that it saves each year and for those that are adopted by loving owners, Orphans of the Storm is a godsend. It truly deserves our support."

Earlier in the day, Senator White presented a $10,000 check to the Armstrong County YMCA to help that organization in its efforts to upgrade its exercise equipment.

"The YMCA is a key partner in the community and the effort to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents," Senator White said. "It's a pleasure to provide this money to help defray the costs of improving the range and variety of gym equipment available to its patrons."