Mayor Mosher says Monessen 'strong' as he outlines storm-sewer work, grants and summer concert series
January 25, 2025 | Monessen, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
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Monessen — Mayor Ron Mosher delivered the city's annual state-of-the-city remarks at the Jan. 23 council meeting, reviewing recent infrastructure projects, grants and plans to promote downtown activity and events.
Mosher told the council and assembled residents that the city has advanced two major storm-sewer projects and is working to close out one large multi-phase program begun under prior years' financing. He described a loan and grant package associated with the work and listed specific funding figures as part of his address.
"The state of our city is strong and with continued support, it will only get stronger," Mosher said, concluding his remarks and thanking city staff and community partners. During the address he cited a $2,200,000 loan used for a Phase 4 storm-sewer project and a $4,500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant intended to replace 125-year-old drains that run beneath railroad tracks to the river. He also said the city completed paving of Third Street using community development block grant (CDBG) dollars and has applied for additional Local Share Account (LSA) funds to upgrade equipment for road work.
Mosher said the administration received a $75,000 LSA grant for economic development work and described an anticipated Department of Community and Economic Development neighborhood partnership program expected to bring approximately $3,000,000 in cash to support local projects. He announced a new "Music in the Park" concert series for summer 2025 with headline acts and dates scheduled at the City Park amphitheater, listing concerts on June 29, July 30, Aug. 24 and Sept. 21.
Mosher framed the projects as part of a broader strategy to rebuild the tax base, address blight with the Westmoreland County Land Bank and attract housing and business investment. He thanked Westmoreland County Community Action for services addressing homelessness and food assistance.
The mayor's remarks preceded a series of routine votes tied to ongoing capital work and vendor contracts. He told the council that some USDA financing steps require extensions and staff continue to coordinate with bond counsel and lenders to finalize closings.
Mosher closed by urging continued partnership among city employees, county and state agencies and local nonprofits.
Mosher told the council and assembled residents that the city has advanced two major storm-sewer projects and is working to close out one large multi-phase program begun under prior years' financing. He described a loan and grant package associated with the work and listed specific funding figures as part of his address.
"The state of our city is strong and with continued support, it will only get stronger," Mosher said, concluding his remarks and thanking city staff and community partners. During the address he cited a $2,200,000 loan used for a Phase 4 storm-sewer project and a $4,500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant intended to replace 125-year-old drains that run beneath railroad tracks to the river. He also said the city completed paving of Third Street using community development block grant (CDBG) dollars and has applied for additional Local Share Account (LSA) funds to upgrade equipment for road work.
Mosher said the administration received a $75,000 LSA grant for economic development work and described an anticipated Department of Community and Economic Development neighborhood partnership program expected to bring approximately $3,000,000 in cash to support local projects. He announced a new "Music in the Park" concert series for summer 2025 with headline acts and dates scheduled at the City Park amphitheater, listing concerts on June 29, July 30, Aug. 24 and Sept. 21.
Mosher framed the projects as part of a broader strategy to rebuild the tax base, address blight with the Westmoreland County Land Bank and attract housing and business investment. He thanked Westmoreland County Community Action for services addressing homelessness and food assistance.
The mayor's remarks preceded a series of routine votes tied to ongoing capital work and vendor contracts. He told the council that some USDA financing steps require extensions and staff continue to coordinate with bond counsel and lenders to finalize closings.
Mosher closed by urging continued partnership among city employees, county and state agencies and local nonprofits.
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