Struzzi, Pittman: Indiana County Receives $210,000 for Housing, Historic Preservation Grants

6/14/2024

HARRISBURG – Indiana County has received $210,000 in funding for housing and historic preservation grants, according to Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-62) and Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41).

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) awarded a $200,000 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) grant to the Indiana County Office of Planning and Development to assist low-income homeowners age 55 years or older with the replacement of inoperable, unsafe or inefficient furnaces and/or severely leaking, damaged roofing systems. 

The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund was established in 2010 to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout Pennsylvania. Funding for the grants is provided by the impact fee charged on natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region and the state’s existing Realty Transfer Tax.

A $10,000 Keystone Historic Preservation Planning Grant was awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) to the Indiana Borough Planning Commission to survey the downtown district for the evaluation of historic and cultural buildings in preparation for a submission to the National Register of Historic Places to recognize the Indiana Borough Historic District. The planning grant funding comes through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, which is funded by a dedicated portion of the Realty Transfer Tax.

“Securing $210,000 in grants to support our elderly population and to recognize the historical importance of our community is a big win for Indiana County,” shared Struzzi. “The PHARE grant will better equip our county to provide assistance where it is needed and the PHMC grant will hopefully bring our community national recognition for its historic and cultural value.”

“I’m pleased to announce $200,000 in grant funding to assist our older homeowners in replacing outdated furnaces and deteriorated roofs, ensuring their safety and comfort,” said Pittman. “Additionally, the $10,000 historic preservation planning grant will be instrumental in recognizing and continuing to preserve Indiana Borough’s rich heritage for future generations.”