Altoona Times

Part of Old Route 126 in Union Township, affected by a landslide, will undergo repairs with the aid of a $350,000 state grant. This development was announced by Rep. Jesse Topper and Sen. Judy Ward.

"Work funded through this grant is poised to allow officials to re-open Old Route 126, alleviating long detours for residents and extended emergency response times," stated Topper. "This will undoubtedly be welcome news for residents."

The road has been closed for several years due to shifting caused by the landslide, which has compromised its stability. The planned work involves excavating the area, backfilling with aggregate, installing a roadway subbase and pavement, placing cross pipes, and stabilizing the downhill slope with rock placement. Funding is sourced from the Local Share Account grant program via the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

"This most recent grant award for Union Township is much-needed since damage from a landslide has made the road unusable, causing substantial detours for residents and emergency responders. With this road fixed, residents will be able to travel more efficiently and enjoy a closer, safer, more connected community," said Ward.

Projects qualifying for funding under the Local Share Account must serve public interest objectives aimed at enhancing community quality of life.

Additionally, Forbes Road School District received $398,475 in Public School Facility Improvement Grant funds to modernize the HVAC system at Forbes Road Elementary School. The project will incorporate energy-efficient systems featuring air purification technologies and smart ventilation controls to improve air quality while managing engineering costs.