Fayette applies for $250,000 grant
The Fayette County commissioners voted Thursday to approve a $250,000 state Enterprise Zone grant application that could bring a 40,000-square-foot building to the University Technology Park along Route 119. Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh termed the proposed Advanced Acoustic Concepts project “high-tech” and said it had to do with anti-torpedo and torpedo systems.
The building’s total cost is an estimated $2.8 million, according to the commissioners.
“This is good news for Fayette County. Our economy is transforming,” said Cavanagh, noting that the business could bring good paying jobs to the area.
“This is a win-win situation for everyone in Fayette County,” he said.
Commission Chairman Vincent A. Vicites and Commissioner Ronald Nehls echoed Cavanagh’s sentiments.
Nehls specifically praised U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) for working to bring the business to the county.
“We’re lucky to have him,” said Nehls.
The commissioners also conducted the following business:
– Agreed to allow the staff of Children and Youth Services to take defensive training classes to help in their work.
Officials said the training, which costs $449, focuses on pressure points and control tactics used to help to decelerate potentially violent situations.
The county also will advertise for bids for nine computers for CYS, a contract Vicites and Nehls said they hoped a local vendor could secure.
– Agreed to extend the 2 percent discount period for 2003 per capita bills by two weeks.
Tax collectors will notify residents with a notice of the new deadline when bills are mailed this month.
– Authorized advertising for bids to replace a retaining wall at Nemacolin Castle in Brownsville. Replacing the wall will come at no cost to the county, because money was left over from an earlier project. Vicites noted the importance of maintaining the castle, because it is a tourist attraction for the county.
– Agreed to the following personnel actions: the promotion of Brittany Winfrey from caseworker 2 to mental health program specialist 1 at $16.10 an hour; the promotion of Leonard Metts from caseworker 1 to caseworker 2 at $13.48 an hour; the transfer of Robin Barnhart from caseworker 2-CYS to caseworker 2-MH/MR at $14.15 an hour; and the resignations of Joan Perry, caseworker 1, and Jill Mosser, mental health program specialist 2.
– Approved a $50,000 basic grant application through Fay-Penn Economic Development Council for the county’s enterprise zone. This is the eighth year for the funding.
– Decided to seek bids for tires for the county’s vehicles
– Gave the go-ahead for the sheriff’s department to purchase a vehicle for use at $580.95 a month for three years.