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Crafton council briefed on multiple grants: Public Works building bid timing, $325,000 DCED downtown award and limits on LSA funds
Summary
Council heard updates on a Public Works building bid timeline that may require accepting a lowest responsible bidder to meet a $200,000 reimbursement deadline, a $325,000 DCED award for downtown improvements, and confirmation that a $120,000 LSA grant cannot be repurposed.
At the May 8 meeting Crafton officials updated council on several capital projects and related grants. Borough staff said bids for the new Public Works building will open May 15 and that, to meet a June 30 reimbursement deadline tied to a $200,000 grant, council may need to accept the lowest responsible bidder at the first post-bid meeting.
Separately, the borough reported a $325,000 award from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support downtown pedestrian and business-district improvements. Staff said the money is available and they will take time to develop specific projects; the funds do not require immediate action but will be scheduled into future work.
Staff also reported that an LSA (Local Share Account) grant of roughly $120,000 for Crafton Boulevard streetscaping cannot be moved or re-scoped. That restriction reduces the borough’s flexibility to combine funding sources for a single streetscape package.
Council also discussed a renewed application for congressional community project funding through Representative Mike DeLuzio’s office for Crafton Boulevard streetscaping and a School Plaza enhancement; staff said the borough resubmitted last year’s request on a tight turnaround for the FY2026 cycle. Manager’s office said last year no community project funds were approved by Congress, and Crafton’s application will be considered in the next cycle.
Borough staff noted they plan to pursue a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) / U.S. DOT–related grant again with neighboring boroughs, after missing funding last cycle due to limited federal dollars. Council members said they expect more public discussion of scope and priorities before any final commitments.
No final contract awards were made May 8. Staff asked council to be prepared to act quickly on the Public Works building bid if responses are reasonable so the borough can invoice by June 30 and secure reimbursement. Council asked staff to return with finalized bid information and any necessary agenda items for an upcoming meeting.
