California plans to spend funds on lighting
California Borough will use its portion of $59,000 in state grants acquired by state Rep. Peter Daley (D-California) to bring drivers along Route 88/ Malden Road out of the dark. Council President Arthur Harris said $19,000 will be used to provide overhead lighting along Route 88 or Malden Road, where ramps from the Mon-Fayette Expressway end and traffic enters the borough. He said the lights will begin where California Road and Malden Road intersect and go through to the expressway.
According to Daley, who secured the grant, the overhead lighting will improve road conditions for vehicles traveling along Malden Road to the California Technology Park, California Middle School and California University.
Harris said the lighting will also benefit pedestrians along that road.
“There have been some wrecks up there, but the lights will also help because we have a lot of walkers along that road, especially in the summer,” Harris said.
Harris said Allegheny Power has been authorized to proceed with the installation of the overhead lighting along Malden Road and will begin as soon as they can work it into their schedule.
California received that grant and a $5,000 grant to replace the radio communications system for the police department from Daley.
Harris said the borough also received $5,000 through state Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar), which was used toward the purchase of the radio communication system for the police department, which has already been installed.
Daley acquired $59,000 in state grants for projects in the 49th Legislative District. He said the money was acquired in the latest round of Community Revitalization Program grants, which are administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development
In addition to California, Daley said grants were also given to West Brownsville, West Pike Run Township, Allison 1 Volunteer Fire Co. and Beallsville Police Department.
Daley said West Brownsville will purchase a tractor for maintenance and other projects with a $12,000 grant.
West Pike Run Township will use their $10,000 grant toward improvements at the municipal building and to purchase various equipment.
The Allison No. 1 VFD is building an addition to the fire company with its $8,000 grant.
Finally, a $5,000 grant for the Beallsville Police Department will result in a new computer and software.