The Blair Regional YMCA and two Huntington County organizations will receive funding through the Capital Investment Program for the redevelopment.

The $3 million set aside for the Blair Regional YMCA Early Learning Center will help with renovations and building additions, according to a news release from state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair.

“Child care is a particularly difficult issue for many families today,” Ward said. “The Blair Regional YMCA offers quality child care programs that provide a safe and healthy environment for many local families. This funding will support the renovation and expansion of the YMCA’s facilities to enhance its Pennsylvania state-licensed child care center, as well as its health, wellness and youth programs.

The funding will cover an expansion/renovation project of approximately 20,000 square feet. The new construction and renovation of an existing portion of the current YMCA facility would house 11 child care classrooms to provide care for infants and young school-age children.

Construction includes interior finishes, a new roof, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and increased security features.

Huntingdon County Projects

More than $3.6 million is being distributed to Juniata College and the East Broad Top Foundation, according to Ward and state Rep. Rich Irvin, R-Huntingdon.

Juniata College received $2 million to support the creation of a nursing school.

The project will construct a well-prepared site ready for vertical construction, including improved drainage and sewer systems, establish parking areas and free flow to improve internal circulation of the site, establish a watertight and secure building envelope with essential building systems (i.e. MEP, fire protection) and create new office and medical spaces.

The East Broad Top Foundation received more than $1.6 million to support the property’s strategic restoration plan, returning two bridges to service and expanding the scenic rail route experience for visitors.

The first of these two, the Pogue Bridge, is a historic Warren girder and truss bridge that carried the East Broad Top Railroad over Aughwick Creek. The second, Three Springs Bridge (circa 1907), is 80 feet long and spans Three Springs Creek. The bridge is intact and is visible from the highway bridge just south of Three Springs.

“These two capital investments in Huntingdon County are exciting for the community,” Ward said, noting that the Juniata College project will improve the county’s health care system by providing new space for the college’s nursing program, as well as new offices and medical spaces. for medical providers.

“Funding to restore the two bridges at the southern end of the county will allow for the continued expansion of the East Broad Top Railroad, creating additional tourism, economic and community development,” Ward said. “These two projects offer significant opportunities for growth and development in the region. »

“Access to quality health care is a significant challenge in rural communities,” Irvin said, adding that the Juniata College Community Health Redevelopment Project can address these challenges by providing health care services and qualified nursing training.

Funding from the East Broad Top Foundation will improve recreational opportunities in the area, Irvin said. “With the East Broad Top Railroad attracting thousands of visitors each year, an expanded rail route will further enhance its economic impact. »

RACP, a $3.1 billion program administered by the Office of the Budget, awards grants for development projects that enhance the economic, civic, cultural, recreational or historic value of the surrounding community.