Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – Warren City Council voted to prioritize potential funding for projects stemming from a $1 million grant application from state gaming revenue.
The grant doesn’t have to be matched by the city.
“We’re shooting for the moon here,” said Director of Public Works Mike Holtz.
The projects greenlit have been discussed for some time, with the only hold being not enough funds available. The state has $100 million in gaming revenue to dole out.
“Would it be safe to say that these projects have already been in the pipeline and the only thing that was holding them up was money?” noted Councilman Jared Villella.
“Yes, that’s fair to say,” said City Manager Nancy Freenock.
Freenock asked the council to prioritize the order of importance for the projects, of which there are six.
Council prioritized in this order:
Clark St. parking garage repairs ($1 million)
Mulberry Park improvements ($1 million)
Miracle League Field ($150,000)
Fire station equipment upgrades ($750,000)
Riverfront development ($1 million)
Betts Park all-weather building ($1 million)
The deadline for the state to receive the applications is March 15, so Freenock stressed time was of the essence.
Added Councilman John Wortman: “I feel that citizens in that section of the city haven’t received the same kind of attention as parks in other areas of the city have, such as Crescent, Lacy and DeFrees Parks,” he said.
Council voted 6-1 to approve the prioritized order for the projects.
