Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) recently announced funding for projects dedicated to improving air quality and public health in the Mon Valley.
These projects are recipients of the first round of awards from the Mon Valley Public Health and Welfare Grant Program, which was established as part of the settlement from the 2018 fire at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works.
The projects selected for awards address environmental concerns, enhance public and community health, and were informed by community input gathered through extensive engagement and public hearings.
ACED has allocated funds to projects that align with the needs and priorities identified by residents, businesses, and stakeholders during a community engagement process that included public hearings, digital engagement, and surveys facilitated in 2024.
The department said in a release:
“This process provided a platform for voices from the Mon Valley communities directly impacted by the 2018 fire at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works, ensuring that funding decisions were rooted in the aspirations and concerns of the community.”
“We applaud the county for its continued community outreach - and transparency - around how these funds are being spent,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “And we’d be remiss if we didn’t encourage our friends and contemporaries working in the Mon Valley to check out the second round of funding opportunity and pitch their air quality improvement projects.”
A Little Bit More About the Projects Funded in the First Round:
Valley Clean Air Now - Air Purifier and Education Project: Funding to purchase and distribute air purifiers and hold educational sessions on airborne pollutants and mitigation strategies.
South Allegheny Fire Emergency Services and Rescue - AED Device Acquisition: Funding to purchase eight automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for local rescue teams.
Steel Rivers Council of Governments - Community Wellness Supplies: Funding to purchase and distribute wellness supplies, with a focus on promoting safe and respiratory-friendly cleaning practices.
Glassport Community Development Corporation - Community Garden Space: Funding to create a community garden space, including site preparation and equipment purchase, promoting healthier, shared outdoor environments.
Helping Out Our People - Services for Families Affected by Gun Violence: Funding to expand counseling and support services, as well as educational programs, for individuals affected by gun violence.
Rainbow Kitchen Community Services - Public Health and Welfare: Funding to support caseworkers working with impacted communities and to purchase critical health supplies.
“ACED’s investment in these programs is a direct response to the voices of the Mon Valley community. By actively listening to constituents as we developed the application system, sought applications, reviewed submissions, and awarded funds, we are able to support projects that not only improve the environment but also protect the health and well-being of Mon Valley residents,” said Allegheny County Economic Development Director Lauren Connelly.
Public Engagement Continues: Upcoming Hearings and Second Funding Round
To continue fostering open communication and ensuring the community’ s priorities that guides future application and selection processes, ACED will hold additional public engagement sessions.
These sessions will provide feedback on the projects funded in the first round, offer space for further community discussions on emerging needs, and outline details of the application process for the second funding round and any future application cycles.
While the virtual hearing took place last night, it’s not too late to attend an in-person event happening at 1 p.m. Thursday in McKeesport. You can register here
The department is also seeking community feedback through the U.S. Steel Settlement Community Survey.
Applications for the Second Round of Funding Open March 24
ACED is committed to ensuring a transparent and equitable application process. The second round of funding will officially open on March 24, allowing community organizations, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to apply for funds aimed at improving public health and air quality in the Mon Valley. Details of the application criteria and process will be informed by the public engagement sessions.
Little Bit More About the Mon Valley Public Health and Welfare Funds:
The Mon Valley Public Health and Welfare Funds were established as part of a
As part of the settlement, U.S. Steel agreed to make payments totaling $4.5 million, with $2.25 million allocated to ACED over five years. These funds aim to support projects that have a direct, tangible impact on public health and indoor/outdoor air quality in communities near U.S. Steel facilities.
For more information on the application process, funded projects, and upcoming sessions, please visit Mon Valley Public Health and Welfare Funds - Allegheny County, PA.