Brooks, Bonner and Wentling Announce $2 Million in Funding for Mercer County Projects

December 18, 2025

HARRISBURG – Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) and Reps. Parke Wentling (R-7) and Tim Bonner (R-17) announced today multiple community improvement projects across Mercer County were awarded a total of $2 million in Local Share Account (LSA) funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).

“From public safety to infrastructure upgrades, downtown revitalization, community centers and recreational improvements, these projects represent meaningful investments that will add to our quality of life, as well as help Mercer County grow and thrive,” said Brooks. “The Mercer County Public Safety Initiative to acquire three new drones, for example, is a vital community need that can help with life-saving missions. Like many of you, I remember the Candice Caffas disappearance, and my heart breaks every time I see her missing person poster. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. I appreciate the opportunity to work together with our local partners to secure funding for these types of important community projects, and I look forward to doing more with them in the future.”

“I’m pleased to learn about the investments in Mercer County,” Bonner said. “These projects will make a direct impact by improving infrastructure, public safety and community services. It’s good to see this funding going to areas where it’s needed.”

“This grant funding will help our community and I was proud to support it,” said Wentling.

The following projects were approved:
Delaware Township – Backhoe and Trailer Replacement – $192,300
This acquisition will include a backhoe with a loader bucket and digging attachment. Additionally, the municipality will purchase a trailer. This project will allow Delaware Township to be able to replace its 2012 model, which is used in daily maintenance activities.

Hempfield Township – Street Sweeper Replacement – $200,000
Hempfield Township will purchase a new mechanical street sweeper to replace an outdated unit dating back to 1987 that is no longer serviceable due to the lack of available replacement parts. The new equipment will allow the township to continue routine street maintenance in a safer and more efficient manner.

Greenville Borough – Demolition of Blighted Structures – $113,599
This project will remove three blighted properties located at 200, 202 and 204 Main Street in Greenville Borough. The scope of work includes demolition of two commercial buildings, removal of a free-standing wall, site backfilling and restoration. The project will improve public health and safety while supporting future redevelopment and economic growth in the downtown area.

Greenville Borough – Vacant Building Renovation – $47,300
Funding will support stabilization and renovation of a long-vacant downtown building that has remained unused for more than 15 years. Planned improvements include roof replacement, masonry repairs, wall cleaning, vegetation removal and installation of new gutters and downspouts. The project supports ongoing Main Street revitalization efforts and aims to attract new businesses to the borough.

Grove City Borough – Wolf Creek Watershed Storm Water Improvements – $200,000
Grove City Borough’s Wolf Creek Watershed section is experiencing flash flooding issues resulting in stormwater backup on roadways and affecting homeowners through flooding of basements. This project will support the replacement of the existing stormwater system with properly sized piping which will require the relocation of gas and waterlines, alleviating much of the flooding issues in the area.

Mercer County – Mercer County Public Safety Initiative – $138,652
Mercer County will acquire three state-of-the-art drones for use by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. These drones will provide rapid deployment capabilities, support life-saving missions, and offer continuous situational awareness, enabling Mercer County to effectively manage diverse emergencies and strengthen regional collaboration. While owned by Mercer County, the drones will also be available to local and regional entities, including law enforcement agencies, municipal governments, and organizations such as the Public Safety Department’s Emergency Management Agency.

Sandy Lake Borough – Police Interceptor Vehicle/Upfitting Project – $58,024
The borough plans to upgrade their current police interceptor vehicle to a newer model with upfitting equipment.

Sharon City – North Sharon Fire Hall Renovation – $700,000
This project will renovate the approximately 75-year-old North Sharon Fire Hall as it is transitioned into a community center. Planned upgrades include renovations to restrooms, kitchen, lounge, storage areas, lower level and assembly hall, along with installation of a fire suppression system and mechanical improvements. Upon completion, the building will serve as a modern community gathering space.

South Pymatuning Township – Police Vehicle Replacement – $50,000
South Pymatuning Township will replace two outdated and increasingly unreliable police patrol vehicles with modern, fully equipped units designed to meet current law enforcement needs.

West Middlesex Borough – Roadway Resurfacing – $53,000
West Middlesex Borough plans to resurface and repair multiple roadway segments, including Fairview Street, Oak Hill Drive, Erie Street, Walnut Street and North Street. These improvements will enhance road safety and reduce vehicle wear throughout the borough.

The City of Hermitage will be receiving $150,000 from the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to construct a pavilion at the Stull Nature Reserve Environmental Learning Center – a 40-acre naturalized area in a rural section of Hermitage that has been reserved for environmental education and passive recreation. The pavilion will include an enclosure for restrooms and storage and will accommodate approximately 200 people. It will be available to the public and for use by area students, scouting organizations and community groups for field trips, after school activities and summer enrichment programs.

Sharon City will receive $100,000 from the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program to add field lighting at the Sharon Little League Field. Currently, games and practices must end before sunset, which limits field usage. As the sun sets, visibility decreases, increasing the risk of injuries to players and leaving spectators to struggle with navigating dimly lit areas. The addition of lighting will allow for evening games, increasing attendance opportunities for working parents and community members, as well as giving young athletes more training time on the field.

The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages. The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 provides for the distribution of gaming revenue through the CFA.

CONTACTS:
Adam Gingrich (Brooks)
Andrew Forgotch (Bonner)
Joseph Szymanski (Wentling)