Owlett, Pickett, Yaw Announce State Grants for Tioga, Bradford County Projects

September 15, 2026

HARRISBURG - Reps. Clint Owlett (R-68) and Tina Pickett (R-110) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced more than $2.3 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants have been approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support water and wastewater infrastructure, road maintenance, public safety and emergency preparedness projects in Tioga and Bradford counties.

Local Share Account grants are funded through gaming revenues under Act 71 of 2004 and support economic development, community improvements and projects that enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvania residents.

“These investments will help communities address needs that are essential to the safety and well-being of their residents,” said Owlett. “Reliable water and wastewater systems, safe roads, dependable municipal equipment and strong emergency services are things people count on every day. This funding will help our local communities make necessary improvements, replace aging equipment and be better prepared when emergencies arise.”

“These investments fulfill a critical funding need for our municipalities and support community projects that residents of Bradford County, and the entire Northern Tier, want to see,” Pickett said. “I am pleased Rep. Owlett, Sen. Yaw and I were able to back these investments and I applaud our municipal leaders for their consistent efforts to strengthen our region.”

“These investments address some very practical needs in our communities,” Yaw said. “Replacing aging wastewater infrastructure, improving road maintenance, providing police and public works crews with the equipment they need and protecting an important historic property will strengthen local services and help ensure these assets serve residents for years to come. I was pleased to join Rep. Owlett and Rep. Pickett in supporting these projects.”

“This project is critical to protecting the Troy Sale Barn and ensuring this historic community gathering place can continue serving the region for another 100 years,” said the Troy Sale Barn Board of Directors. “The partnership between the Troy Sale Barn Operating Corporation, the Troy Municipal Authority and numerous community partners have been essential to preserving and maintaining the barn. This strategic investment would not have been possible without the support of our elected officials. We are incredibly grateful to Sen. Yaw and Rep. Owlett for their continued support of the Troy Sale Barn and their commitment to strengthening our communities.”

“On behalf of the Tioga County Board of Commissioners, we want to thank Sen. Yaw and Rep. Owlett for their continued support of Tioga County and their advocacy for these important projects,” said Marc Rice, Tioga County commissioner. “These LSA awards represent meaningful investments in our communities, supporting critical public infrastructure, law enforcement, and the needs of our local municipalities. We are grateful to see these much-needed resources invested here in Tioga County and appreciate the strong partnership we have with our state legislators as we continue working together to move these important projects forward.”

“These funding awards will have a meaningful and lasting impact by supporting critical infrastructure improvements, police vehicle purchases and truck purchases,” said Daryl Miller, Doug McLinko and Zachary Gates, Bradford County commissioners. “Local governments often face significant financial constraints, and the leadership and advocacy shown by Reps. Owlett and Pickett to help ensure our municipalities have the resources needed to serve residents effectively and responsibly. We are grateful for your continued commitment to rural communities and for working collaboratively to bring these grants to our county.”

The approved projects include:
• Athens Borough – $67,150 to purchase a new police interceptor vehicle to replace an existing decade-old patrol vehicle that has persistent and expensive mechanical issues. The project includes the purchase of a vehicle, upfitting and custom graphics.
• Central Bradford Progress Authority, on behalf of Troy Municipal Authority and Troy Sale Barn Operating Corporation – $465,986 to replace a deteriorated retaining wall behind the historic Troy Sale Barn in Troy Borough. The project includes demolition of the failed dry-laid fieldstone wall, construction of a new reinforced concrete retaining wall, drainage improvements and site restoration. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering and administrative costs.
• Columbia Township – $125,370 to purchase and upfit a new utility truck to replace an aging 2016 maintenance vehicle that has experienced significant rust, frequent breakdowns and approximately $18,000 in repairs over the past three years. The new truck will improve public works operations and allow the township to clear roads more efficiently during snow events and severe weather. LSA funds will be used for vehicle purchase and upfit costs.
• Lawrenceville Borough – $385,025 to make electrical improvements at the municipal water treatment plant. The project will replace and relocate electrical components that have been damaged by chlorine and moisture exposure, improving the reliability of the treatment facility. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering and administrative costs.
• Liberty Area Municipal Authority – $218,700 to make improvements at the wastewater treatment plant, including new sand media, distribution piping and a chemical mixer system. The upgrades will improve treatment operations and help the facility remain in compliance with permitting and regulatory standards. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering and administrative costs.
• Mansfield Borough – $56,375 to purchase a new marked police patrol vehicle equipped with police equipment. The vehicle will strengthen the borough’s limited patrol fleet, improve response times and enhance officer and community safety. LSA funds will be used for vehicle purchase.
• Rome Township – $335,043 for the reclamation and reconstruction of Robinson Road from North Rome Road to the top of the hill. Funding will support the full-depth reclamation of existing sealcoat surface to reuse the existing materials as part of the new road structure. Following reclamation, an additional subbase layer will be added and new sealcoat will be applied.
• Tioga County – $250,000 to improve water security in Nelson Township by adding a backup water well, relocating water intake controls, replacing aging valves and installing greensand filtration systems. The improvements will provide a more reliable source of potable water and strengthen the county’s ability to maintain service during emergencies and severe weather. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering and administrative costs.
• Towanda Borough – $44,030 for the purchase of a specialized manhole repair and removal tool to improve the efficiency, safety and quality of municipal infrastructure maintenance operations. The purchase of this equipment will help prevent injuries, delays and improper repairs which can lead to water intrusion, road damage and public safety concerns.
• Ward Township, on behalf of the Blossburg Volunteer Fire Department – $176,003 to purchase new mobile and portable radios. The new digital, P-25-compliant equipment will replace outdated radios that are increasingly difficult and costly to repair, improving communications and reliability for emergency responders.
• West Burlington Township – $28,200 to purchase and install two emergency generators, one at the municipal building and one at the township garage. The generators will maintain essential township operations and provide emergency power to facilities that serve as warming shelters during power outages and severe weather.
• Windham Township – $200,000 to purchase a new 4WD heavy-duty truck with a plow to be used for the maintenance of the streets and roads. The vehicle will replace the existing 20 year-old truck. It will also be used to haul stone materials to project areas.

The CFA is an independent agency responsible for administering state investments that promote economic growth, infrastructure development and community revitalization throughout Pennsylvania.

Representative Clint Owlett
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
www.RepOwlett.com / www.Facebook.com/RepOwlett

Pickett Media Contact: Lindsey Cook (Lcook@pahousegop.com)
Yaw Media Contact: Elizabeth Weitzel (eweitzel@pasen.gov)