from Congressman Jack Murtha from Congressman Jack Murtha
|
|
|
April 1, 1999 -- Members of the newly formed Electro-Optics Alliance will converge here from around the nation on Thursday, April 8, when U.S. Rep. John Murtha will deliver the keynote address at the dedication ceremony of the Electro-Optics Center, a U.S. Navy Center of Excellence in Electro-Optics Manufacturing.
Murtha program will take place after a luncheon that begins at noon at the Army National Guard Armory near Ford City.
The Electro-Optics Center is supported by the newly formed Electro-Optics Alliance, a globally competitive community of U.S.-based industrial, academic and government organizations with comprehensive expertise and experience in electro-optics component and system manufacturing.
Murtha, ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, was instrumental in creating the electro-optics program and attracting it to Armstrong County. On February 26, he announced the signing of a five-year, $25 million cooperative agreement between Penn State University's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) and the Office of Naval Research Manufacturing Technology Division to establish this national research and training center in electro-optics based in Kittanning.
"Electro-optics is such a fast-growing technology that we need to focus our nation's attention and make sure the United States remains the world's leading manufacturing in this industry," Murtha said. "The Electro-Optics Alliance is designed to do that, so it's vital to our nation while also providing an excellent opportunity for Armstrong County."
Electro-optics applications range from CD players and bar-code readers at grocery stores to night-vision systems and laser-guided missiles, so American excellence in electro-optics is vital both from an economic and military perspective, Murtha noted.
Murtha has been working on electro-optics development for several years, and already the effort is paying off in local jobs: prior to the luncheon and business meeting, Murtha will join in cutting a ribbon on a new business, Armstrong Laser Technology, located in Slate Lick, Armstrong County. The ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the facility, located in the OST*Star Tron Building on Kountz Road, Slate Lick.
The Electro-Optics Alliance luncheon and opening ceremony will be held at the new armory located in Manor Township, overlooking Ford City Borough just off Route 66. Members of the new Alliance will then hold their first official business meeting.
Alliance members expected to be represented at the session include II-VI Inc.; American Competitiveness Institute; Advanced Materials Corporation; Contraves Brashear Systems, L.P.; Concurrent Technologies Corporation; DRS Infrared Technologies; Extrude Hone Corporation; General Dynamics; Honeywell Technology Center; ITT Night Vision; Litton Systems, Inc.; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Optical Systems Technology; Quantum Group; RJ Lee Group, Inc.; Schafer Corporation; Alabama A&M University; University of Arizona Optical Sciences Center; Boston University Photonics Center; Carnegie Mellon University; University of Dayton Research Institute; Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Penn State; the University of Pittsburgh; the University of Rochester Center for Optics Manufacturing; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory; and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
|
|
|
|
WASHINGTON, April 1, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today announced final approval of a $200,000 appropriation that he obtained in October to provide part of the cost of building a replacement water-treatment facility at Fallingwater in Mill Run.
"Tourism is clearly a large and growing segment of our local and regional economy," Murtha said. "Fallingwater in particular is one of the strongest attractions for tourists in Pennsylvania, so I'm pleased that I've been able to help them address this important improvement."
The funding was included in the appropriation for the Department of Housing and Urban Development as an Economic Development Initiative Special Project Grant.
"Fallingwater is a world renowned architectural treasure by Frank Lloyd Wright, so it draws people from all over the world," he said.
The attraction is owned and managed by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
|
|
|
|
EAST HUNTINGDON, April 6, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today joined with officials of East Huntingdon Township and the Army Corps of Engineers in breaking ground and signing a Project Cooperation Agreement for a sewer project that is key to regional growth.
"The Iron Bridge Sanitary Sewage Project is one of the most important infrastructure projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania because it'll open up so much growth potential and opportunity," Murtha said. "I'm delighted to see this project moving forward so quickly because it will lift the current moratorium on new construction and open the way for several new businesses, including an $11 million Wal-Mart Supercenter."
The $5.9 million project is being funded primarily by $4.2 million that Murtha obtained for the Army Corps of Engineers to assist with the project.
Murtha said the project also would open several areas for residential development, which will also have significant local economic impact because housing is in very short supply around the Sony complex.
"Sony and American Video Glass already have 2,900 jobs and Sony will be expanding with another 600 jobs here in East Huntingdon at the same time we develop the Westmoreland Distribution Center, which is expected to create over 1,500 more jobs. There's just not enough places nearby for these people to live. If we can enable these people to live near where they work, we can keep the economic benefit of these developments here in the Westmoreland-Fayette area," he said.
The sewer and water lines needed for the Westmoreland Distribution Center also are being funded by $450,000 that Murtha obtained through the Army Corps of Engineers. Construction on this project is also expected to begin any day now.
"With the Center's location within two miles of Interstate 70 and the Turnpike, plus its intermodal access with rail connections to both CSX and Conrail/Norfolk Southern, there's no question we'll be able to attract jobs to this facility and continue our economic rebuilding here in Southwestern Pennsylvania," said Murtha, who earlier delivered federal funds that were key to financing the short line railroad access serving Sony and the Distribution Center.
|
|
|
|
GREENSBURG, April 6, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today outlined an eight-pronged plan for protecting individual privacy of health-care records in this computer age and called on Congress to "safeguard medical privacy before the new millennium."
Murtha's plan is encompassed in legislation that he plans to introduce soon and was outlined at a news conference at Seton Hill College here. He said that Congress must pass legislation by August or the Administration can implement its own rules.
"We all believe our medical records are private, but a study by the National Research Council showed that an individual's health information can be distributed to at least a dozen different places," Murtha said. "These records reveal some of the most personal aspects of our lives, and their misuse can lead to discrimination, job loss, loss of benefits, harassment, and other problems if they are not properly protected."
Murtha said the places an individual's health records may be distributed include employer records and spouse's employer records, physicians and consulting physicians, health-care providers and organizations that accredit health-care providers, insurance companies, pharmacies and pharmacy-benefits managers, clinical laboratories, researchers and the state Bureau of Vital Statistics.
To highlight some of the dangers, Katherine Fithen, Manager of the CERTŪ Coordination Center, a computer emergency response team of Carnegie Mellon University, did a mock demonstration to show how easy it is for hackers to break into medical records. Fithen also noted the risk that an electronic virus such as "Melissa" could be targeted to send out medical records.
Highlights of the Murtha legislation include (full details on fact sheet):
Murtha said the medical focus is just the first step, noting, "There are so many records held on us today, and with increasing computerization, they can be accessed, transferred and altered much more easily. If 'hackers' have succeeded in getting part way into the Pentagon's computer system, how safe are the records held on the rest of us by all these other organizations?"
Murtha said a broad approach to protecting privacy needs to include:
Murtha said he is also calling on Congressional leaders to host a "National Summit on Privacy" later this year.
"The more people I talk with, the more I sense a strong and growing concern about our individual privacy, but I'm not sure our corporate and government leaders are getting the message. This National Summit can provide a forum for individual citizens who have had their privacy violated, to show how damaging it can be and to focus attention on the steps that are necessary to protect individual privacy.
"Our nation is founded on a fundamental principle of individual freedom, and our individual freedom depends on our ability to protect our privacy," he added.
|
|
|
|
SOMERSET, April 7, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today received an award from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau in recognition of his "demonstrated high level of support for key issues" important to farming.
"John Murtha has proven himself to be a great asset to Pennsylvania agriculture as well as American agriculture through his dedicated service in our national Congress," said Robert Hay, who presented Murtha with the "Friend of the Farm Bureau Award" from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau on the farm of Sidney Rigg near Somerset.
Hay said Murtha has supported vital agricultural industry issues involving markets, competitive challenges, regulatory costs, agricultural research and crop insurance.
Murtha said agriculture remains the No. 1 industry in Pennsylvania, and in Somerset and many other rural counties, it's clearly the largest economic generator.
"I try hard to stay in touch with the farmers and to understand the issues they face. Farming is an industry that affects every one of us every day, as long as we eat. And in rural communities, the family farm is a vital way of life that we need to work to preserve," Murtha said.
|
|
|
|
April 7, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today joined the head of the Army Corps of Engineers in a signing ceremony for a project to develop infrastructure to expand the Somerset Industrial Park and then participated in a "Roll Out" ceremony for a newly configured Bradley Fighting Vehicle that created over 50 jobs at DRS Laurel Technologies in Davidsville.
"The expanded industrial park is expected to generate at least 60 to 75 new jobs, and the new work at DRS Laurel Technologies has added over 50 jobs since October," Murtha said. "Although a sewer and water project may seem to be totally different than upgrading a military vehicle, the goal in both cases is identical: jobs."
Assistant Secretary of the Army Joseph Westphal, the head of the Army Corps of Engineers, came to Somerset to sign a document known as the Project Cooperation Agreement, under which the Corps of Engineers will assist in constructing several short access roads, extend sewer and water lines, and install meters, fire hydrants and related infrastructure needed to expand the Somerset Industrial Park.
The project will cost $563,766, with $380,000 coming through a federal program that Murtha created, $172,766 from the state Department of Community & Economic Development, and $11,000 from the Somerset County Economic Development Council, the developer of the industrial park and sponsor of the project.
Murtha expressed his appreciation to Westphal for coming to Somerset to personally sign the agreement that enables work to progress. He also thanked the state legislators for working on the state matching funds, the county commissioners and the board of the Somerset County Economic Development Council for their efforts to expand the facility.
After the signing ceremony, Murtha participated in a "Roll Out" ceremony for a newly configured Bradley, known as the A3 configuration. DRS Laurel Technologies has a contract with United Defense LP to construct the highly specialized cabling products to retrofit over 100 of these vehicles.
The "Roll Out" ceremony was held in part to recognize the "Molded Team" relationship between DRS Laurel and United Defense Ground Systems Division of York, the prime contractor for the upgrades. A series of operational improvements will enable the Bradleys to more effectively handle infantry, armored-cavalry, scout and other missions while also improving the lethality and survivability of the equipment.
"Laurel Tech has been a tremendous success story locally in growing from a handful of jobs to over 318 jobs. Much of their existing work has been on Navy and Air Force equipment, so this program not only represents an expansion into work on Army equipment that adds jobs but also provides an opportunity to see one of the finished products," Murtha said.
|
|
|
|
KITTANNING, April 8, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today told a gathering of the nation's leaders in the electro-optics industry that Southwestern Pennsylvania is prepared to help their industry capitalize on the continuing surge in the electro-optics products.
The industry leaders were in Armstrong County for a dedication ceremony for the Electro-Optics Center, a U.S. Navy Center of Excellence in Electro-Optics Manufacturing, and the first meeting of the newly formed Electro-Optics Alliance, a nationwide group from industry, academia and government. Murtha welcomed them to Western Pennsylvania and encouraged them to take advantage of new training programs being set up to provide workers with the specific skills needed in this industry.
Murtha, ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, was instrumental in creating the electro-optics program and attracting it to Armstrong County. On February 26, he announced the signing of a $25 million, five-year cooperative agreement between Penn State University's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) and the Office of Naval Research Manufacturing Technology Division to establish this national research and training center in electro-optics based in Kittanning.
"The Electro-Optics Center is going to provide technical leadership on electro-optics manufacturing, which is one reason that electro-optics companies would consider our area. But the Center will also work with IUP and other partners to develop an Associate of Science degree program to support the industry and help develop a teaching factory to assure a supply of skilled workers," Murtha said. "This region has lost many heavy industry jobs, and we've never fully caught up with the rest of the nation. But we have a fantastic quality of life, the people of our area have a strong work ethic, and by providing them the skills needed for this growth industry, we believe we've got the combination that can spell growth for your company while furthering our revitalization efforts here."
The electro-optics industry is expected to double in size every four years, becoming a $500 billion a year industry by the year 2013. Electro-optics combines electronic processing of information with light or optics, which can be used for various purposes. Common electro-optics systems include compact disks and bar cod readers at store cash registers.
Areas of rapid growth include display technology, telecommunications, sensor applications, medical imaging, laser cutting and welding, and vision systems, Murtha said, noting that these technologies have broad applications in the automotive, entertainment, consumer and medical industries, as well as in military applications.
He noted that Armstrong Laser Technology, a new subsidiary of Decade Optical Systems, already recognized the opportunity that local training facilities will provide companies: ALT opened a manufacturing facility earlier in the day at nearby Slate Lick.
Murtha spoke at the Electro-Optics Center's luncheon at the Army National Guard Armory near Ford City. The Electro-Optics Center is being set up in Kittanning to lead the newly formed Electro-Optics Alliance, a globally competitive community of U.S.-based industrial, academic and government organizations with comprehensive expertise and experience in electro-optics component and system manufacturing.
"Electro-optics business is growing rapidly, and we need to focus on keeping America in the forefront on technology and bring America to the forefront in the manufacturing jobs associated with this growth industry," Murtha said.
|
|
|
|
FREEPORT, April 8, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today officially announced that a major U.S. supplier of laser diode systems has formed a Pennsylvania subsidiary that is locating here. Murtha joined officials of Armstrong Laser Technology, Inc., or ALT, Inc., in cutting a ribbon today at the new business, located in the Slate Lick community of South Buffalo Township, near Freeport.
ALT is a subsidiary of Decade Products, Inc., of New Mexico. DPI produces solid state and direct diode laster systems for the Department of Defense and commercial applications.
According to Fred Way, President and CEO of ALT, Inc., the decision to operate in Armstrong County was due in large part to the Federal, state and local support for electro-optics and laser systems production and testing.
Murtha said, "As I worked to attract the Electro-Optics Center to Armstrong County, I felt the Center would in turn help us attract companies and jobs here, too. But being able to open our first new company the same day we kick off the Center is a real bonus."
ALT, Inc., will do work with the Center and will specialize in fabrication and testing of laser diode systems. Laser diodes are used in a broad spectrum of laser systems, including medical instruments, telecommunications, printing and defense-related applications.
The company plans to hire 30 or more technicians within the next two years. Many of the anticipated employees will be hired locally as a result of the new electro-optics curriculum set up at Lenape Vocational-Technical School.
"This ribbon-cutting shows how much we can accomplish when we all work together, Murtha said. "I'm pleased that the federal initiative I developed is creating work and direction for this new company. But I want to also thank Governor Ridge and our state legislators for the $840,000 economic-development package, the County Commissioners and local officials for their commitment and support, and the Lenape Vo-Tech officials for their foresight and initiative in setting up the training programs to assure the local availability of the skilled workers. And I of course want to thank the officials of ALT, Inc., and welcome them to Armstrong County."
|
|
|
|
JOHNSTOWN, April 9, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today outlined endorsed the push for the Patients Bil of Rights during remarks to the Cambria County Economic Task Force, adding that the plan ought to include protection of medical privacy.
President Clinton and several Members of Congress today are holding a news conference in Washington and a rally in Philadelphia to emphasize the need for this legislation.
"The Patients Bill of Rights would provide people with some basic protections and guarantees that are necessary to stop the movement by some HMOs and insurance companies to base every decision purely on costs," Murtha said. "Costs are obviously an important factor and something we can't let run out of control. But by the same token, we need a balance. When we're dealing with our individual lives and health, clearly costs can't be the only factor that determines how we're treated -- or whether we're treated at all."
The Patients Bill of Rights would give patients more freedom to choose their own doctor, allow access to specialists, prevent managed-care plans from making decisions that overrule the doctor's decision, assure coverage for emergency care, and provide an appeals process and accountability for insurance company decisions.
"One important consideration that's missing from this proposal is protection of the privacy of individuals," Murtha said. "Earlier this week, I announced my plan for legislation to hold anyone who received medical records accountable for protecting the security of those records, and I feel this right to privacy ought to included in the Patients Bill of Rights."
Highlights of the Murtha legislation include:
Murtha said the other major health-care fight brewing in Washington this year is a battle over Medicare funding.
"Until last week, the Medicare Trust Fund was projected to become insolvent in 2008 -- just 9 years from now. Good economic forecasts may extend that solvency until 2015, but Murtha warned that an economic downturn could change the prognosis again.
"Social Security and Medicare are the twin pillars of retirement security and we need to make sure they're still viable for today's workers. Although there's a lot more attention on the solvency of Social Security, it's expected to ramin solvent until 2032 or 2034. The problem in Medicare is going to hit a lot sooner, and I'll continue to urge everyone in Washington to agree that most of our current surplus must go toward shoring up both Social Security and Medicare," he said.
|
|
|
|
WASHINGTON, April 29, 1999 -- Congressman John Murtha today announced that Barnesboro Borough Police Department will receive a $168,206 award in the latest round of law enforcement hiring grants under the Department of Justice's COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Program.
Congressman Murtha noted the grants "continue to make a positive difference across the state, and this will be a great boost to Northern Cambria."
The communities of Barnesboro and Spangler will merge next January to become one community, Northern Cambria. The Barnesboro Police Department currently has three full-time and three part-time officers who serve both Barnesboro and Spangler. The COPS grant will enable them to hire two more full-time and two more part-time officers, thereby nearly doubling the force.
Barnesboro Police Chief Kevin Stanek stated, "The Barnesboro Borough Police Department is pleased that its application was accepted and approved by the federal government. This will put more manpower on street and help out with the new consolidation of Barnesboro and Spangler, which will happen in January of 2000. We would really like to thank Congressman Murtha for his support of our application."
COPS grants provide funding for 75% of the total salary and benefits of each officer hired for three years. The remainder is paid out of state or local funds.
To date, the COPS program has provided funding to more than 10,000 law enforcement agencies to add more than 92,000 officers to the nation's streets.
|
|
|
|
JOHNSTOWN, May 7, 1999 -- Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) of Johnstown has been selected for award of a competitive contract within the U.S. Department of Energy that could be worth up to $150 million over a five-year period, U.S. Rep. John Murtha announced today.
"The fact that CTC was successful in the competitive review process is a clear indication that CTC's capabilities are world class," Murtha said. "I want to commend CTC and the many bright and talented people they've attracted because winning this competitive award opens a number of additional growth opportunities for CTC."
CTC President and CEO Daniel R. DeVos added, "This is far and away our largest contract from a non-defense agency. The fact that it was a competitive award shows the credibility we've established. We were up against some of the largest engineering and technology companies in the United States, so this will really raise our visibility in the national scene as a technology and engineering-services provider."
The award is being made by DOE's Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC), which operates the largest fossil-energy research organization in the United States from facilities in Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV.
The activities to be performed by the CTC team include technical, planning and operational analysis as well as project engineering for FETC's Offices of Product Management, Project Management, and Systems and Environmental Analysis.
CTC's primary partner for the proposed contract is Coleman Research Corporation of Fairfax, VA. Five additional organizations are part of CTC's team, including the Pittsburgh Technology Council and the West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation.
DeVos said, "As the prime contractor on a multi-faceted team, this award helps us to continue building our corporate headquarters in Johnstown, as well as extending our technical expertise into new areas."
CTC's offer was made in response to FETC's solicitation entitled Program, Product and Project Engineering and Analysis Support for FETC. CTC was selected for award through a competitive evaluation process.
FETC, one of DOE's major field organizations, manages and implements a broad spectrum of energy and environmental programs.
|
|
|
|
May 17, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will construct three key sewer and water system projects in Central and Northern Cambria County through a pilot project that he created.
The Corps will contribute $4.5 million toward the upgrade and expansion of sewage treatment facilities for Cresson Borough, $1 million toward the upgrade of the Cassandra-Portage Municipal Water Authority system, and $231,000 toward the Patton Borough water plant backwash project.
"These projects are key to our ongoing progress in the Mainline and Northern Cambria area," Murtha said. "Sewage and water are essential ingredients for growth, development and the expansion of job opportunities."
Murtha noted that the County Commissioners had recommended priorities based on the economic impact and community need. Murtha in turn recommended the projects to the Corps of Engineers, which has evaluated these projects and determined that they are all ready to move forward quickly to construction.
Cresson Borough is under order from the state Department of Environmental Protection to eliminate raw sewage by-passing the main pump station, and needs to upgrade and expand its existing plant from 700,000 gallons per day to 1.5 million gallons per day. The treatment plant and main pump station, constructed in 1962, has numerous problems. The project will install a new collection system to bring in Sankertown Borough, construct a sludge-holding tank and disposal system, and convert the treatment system to a sequential batch reactor type process.
The system will serve parts of Cresson Township, Mount Aloysius College, a State Correctional Institution and the Allegheny-Portage Railroad National Historic Site, as well as Sankertown. Total project cost is estimated at $7.1 million.
The Portage Municipal Water Authority project will replace the antiquated Cassandra Borough water system built about 1910, replace existing two- and four-inch water lines with a new 10-inch line from Bens Creek Reservoir to better service the entire system, and tie in Cassandra with the Bens Creek Reservoir Interconnect Line.
The project will make growth possible because the reservoir and treatment system have the capacity to deliver 300,000 gallons per day, but daily usage is only 100,000 gallons per day because of the limited capacity of the Interconnect system. Total project cost is estimated at $1.4 million.
The Patton Borough project is required because the borough is under a consent order from DEP to fix a backwash discharge problem. Currently, backwash water from the water plant is discharged back into Chest Creek without further treatment. Stricter criteria exist today than when the plant was built in 1924, and pre-treatment of the backwash prior to discharge is now required.
The project involves construction of a 75,000 gallon concrete holding tank for detaining and settling backwash flows. The water will then be pumped into the sanitary sewer system. Concurrent with this work, the borough will spend $60,000 on the pumping station and a sludge-bagging facility at the sewage-treatment plant to accommodate the additional flow from the backwash. Total project costs will exceed $310,000.
|
|
|
|
May 17, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will construct a new Broad Street Interceptor Line for the New Bethlehem Borough sewerage system through a pilot project that he created.
The Corps will contribute $463,000 toward the $750,000 replacement project, which is a key part of the larger upgrade the Borough is undertaking.
"The borough has been on a tap limitation that restricts growth opportunities and hinders efforts and community and job development," Murtha said. "We need to overcome this problem, and I'm pleased to be able to help move this project forward in a big way."
The tap limitation was imposed by the state Department of Environmental Protection in 1982 because of hydraulic overloading of the sewage system. The overloading occurs from high inflow and infiltration of ground water into their old and antiquated sewage-collection system, and because about 40 percent of the system is a "combined" system that receives both sewage and storm water runoff. The system is primarily old terra cotta/vitrified clay pipe.
Murtha noted that this project received urgency when the state Department of Transportation announced plans to widen Broad Street, replace sidewalks and lighting and improve signalization this construction season.
"It didn't make sense to rip up the street, cause all the congestions and mess this year for the street improvement, and then rip it all up again next year for the sewer project," Murtha said. "By advancing the Broad Street sewer-line replacement to this year, we not only reduce the inconvenience in the community but also reduce the overall costs."
|
|
|
|
May 17, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will replace critical portions of the Ligonier Borough Sanitary Collection System through a pilot project that he created.
The Corps will contribute $720,000 toward the $800,000 replacement project, which is essential in order to remove a limit on new taps that has been in effect since 1991.
"The borough has been on a tap limitation that restricts growth opportunities and hinders efforts and community and job development," Murtha said. "We need to overcome this problem, and I'm pleased to be able to help move this project forward in a big way."
The tap limitation was imposed by the state Department of Environmental Protection because of hydraulic overloading of the sewage system. The overloading occurs from high inflow and infiltration of ground water into their old and antiquated sewage-collection system. The system is primarily old vitrified clay pipe installed about 1915.
Murtha noted that the borough recently approved a $3.2 million bond issue and doubled their user fees to expand the capacity of the sewage plant and improve the sewage-treatment plant's processing equipment. The bond issue left them financially unable to complete the corrective measures needed to the collection system.
|
|
|
|
May 17, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will construct a new sewage-collection and treatment system for Smith field Borough through a pilot project that he created.
The Corps will contribute $2 million toward the $4.5 million project, which is essential in order to stop the accumulation of raw sewage in abandoned coal mines, where it collects until it blows out
"The last blow-out took place in the borough's municipal road department, where it ruined this year's allocation of road salt," Murtha said. "Efforts to plug or seal the mines have simply caused blow-outs to occur in other places and failed to solve the problem."
The project involves construction of a 125,000 gallon per day sewage treatment plant along Georges Creek, along with 60,000 linear feet of collection lines. Additional funding is anticipated from PennVEST. The project will be undertaken by Smithfield Borough and Georges Creek Municipal Authority.
Murtha said, "The ongoing pollution problem here is severe, as is the continual safety threat of mine-drainage and sewage sludge blow-outs in the community. The health and safety issues made this a top priority project, and I'm certainly glad to be able to help with this $2 million in special funding."
|
|
|
|
"These small systems are essential to protect health and safety from the severe water pollution that has been observed from some of the malfunctioning on-lot systems and other problems," Murtha said. "In addition, the sewage systems may help to open up new housing or business-development opportunities that mean community growth and progress.
|
|
|
|
WASHINGTON, May 18, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha will join First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday in the East Room of the White House to announce historic sites and artifacts selected for the "Save America's Treasures" initiative.
Fallingwater, an icon of American architecture located in Fayette County, will be among the treasures that will receive funding under the initiative. Murtha and Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska are the only members of Congress invited to speak at the event.
Murtha said, "I want to commend the President and the First Lady for recognizing that so many of America's historic sites, documents, art and monuments are facing serious decay, and for taking the initiative to create and promote the 'Save America's Treasures' program. And I want to thank them and the National Park Service for recognizing that Fallingwater is indeed one of our nation's most significant treasures."
Fallingwater was designed in 1935 by Frank Lloyd Wright, the premier 20th Century architect, as a weekend retreat for Edgar J. Kaufmann, a wealthy Pittsburgh businessman. It is now owned by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
"Fallingwater is considered to be Wright's greatest work, and it attracts over 130,000 people a year from all over the world," Murtha said. "It's a remarkable blending of architecture and nature, but in 64 years, the structure is finally over stressed and in need of major repairs. This program will bring an award of $901,000 to help with those needed repairs."
The concrete for Fallingwater's first floor projects 18 feet beyond the house's stone piers, creating a dramatic cantilever over the stream and waterfall. While the design exemplifies attempts to harmoniously unite nature and architecture, parts of the building are beginning to fail. Water leakage is damaging the roof and interior finishings.
Murtha said the funds will be used to structurally strengthen the over stressed sections, repair windows, install a new roof that properly sheds water and waterproof the terrace.
|
|
|
|
May 19, 1999 -- Art by Samir M. Mehta of Indiana Area Senior High School was selected by judges as the winning entry in the annual art competition sponsored by U.S. Rep. John Murtha.
"The winning entry each year is displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington in a national exhibition for a full year, so it's a real honor to be chosen," said Murtha. "Art is such an important part of our culture, I'm pleased to be able to help promote it as part of the education program in many of our schools."
This year, there were 54 entries to the art competition, "An Artistic Discovery." The theme again this year was, "At Home in the 12th Congressional District." Mount Aloysius College hosted the display and reception.
Seven schools participated -- Forest Hills High School, Freeport Area Senior High School, Greater Johnstown Senior High School, Indiana Area Senior High School, Mount Pleasant Senior High School, Penn Cambria Senior High School, and Richland Senior High School.
Mehta's winning entry is titled "e=mc62." Graphite was the medium he used.
Other winners were:
|
|
|
|
WASHINGTON, DC, May 20, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today announced the award of federal funding to the Boroughs of Mount Pleasant and South Connellsville to hire police officers.
Mt. Pleasant Borough will receive $75,000 to pay 75 percent of the salaries of two new part-time officers for three years. Mt. Pleasant does not currently have its own police force.
South Connellsville will receive $53,068 to fund two new part-time positions to expand its existing force to provide around-the-clock police coverage.
Murtha said, "This is great news for these communities. I grew up in Mt. Pleasant. I'm really glad to see this federal program having a direct impact on increasing protection in these communities, as it has in many communities in our area since the program started. It has really been a great initiative that has worked well for the police forces and communities in our area, not only making them safer but adding jobs as well, which is a primary goal of mine every day."
The funds are awarded based on the application of the local municipality to the U.S. Justice Department's COPS Program (Community Oriented Policing Services). COPS funding may be used to hire full or part-time officers. Or, it can be used to hire administrative support staff for the purpose of freeing up officers from paperwork so they can spend more time on the streets.
To-date, with Murtha's support, the 12th Congressional District has received over $4.3 million in federal funds under the COPS program.
South Connellsville Mayor Pete Casini added, "This is great because now we'll be able to provide 24-hour protection, whereas up to now we've had 16-hour-a-day coverage. It's been a long time coming to get this round-the-clock coverage for South Connellsville. We're very pleased."
This latest round of COPS grants is a milestone because the program has reached President Clinton's goal of putting 100,000 additional police officers on the nation's streets during his Administration. Murtha noted the program has been highly successful and has aided in directing funds to area communities. To-date, with Murtha's support, the 12th Congressional District has received over $4.3 million in federal funds under the COPS program.
|
|
|
|
WASHINGTON, May 20, 1999 -- U.S. Rep. John Murtha today announced the award of federal funding to Indiana University of Pennsylvania to increase the size and scope of their police force.
IUP's Office of Public Safety will receive $225,000, which will fund 75 percent of the salaries of three new full-time officers for three years to add to its force. The funds are awarded based on the application of the local police department to the U.S. Justice Department's COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Program.
Congressman Murtha commented, "Although most of the funding goes to municipalities, I'm pleased to see some assistance going to the University. IUP works hard to keep the students safe, but we can never do enough to make sure our young men and women on our college campuses can walk to class or the library or home and feel safe knowing there is a strong campus police force that can protect a population of over 14,000 students. The three added officers on campus should help their parents sleep a little better at night."
Bill Montgomery, Director of Public Safety at IUP, added, "It will really have an impact on the IUP campus. We already have a community-oriented policing program started, and this will allow us to implement it on a larger scale than it is now. We're very pleased that this federal grant has been approved."
This latest round of COPS grants is a milestone because the program has reached President Clinton's goal of putting 100,000 additional police officers on the nation's streets during his Administration. Murtha noted the program has been highly successful and has aided in directing funds to area communities. To-date, with Murtha's support, the 12th Congressional District has received over $4.3 million in federal funds under the COPS program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|