James Thankful for Incoming Redevelopment Funding in the 64th District

| December 7, 2021

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Rep. R. Lee James (Venango/Butler) announced on Monday that $1.675 million in state funding, from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), will be distributed to Oil City to assist with projects aimed at revitalization.

“Any time we have an opportunity to grow in the 64th District, it is important we do so by utilizing all available resources,” James said. “I am grateful this program exists so we can continue to grow the district I am very honored to represent.”

The following entities were awarded funding:

  • Venango County Economic Development Authority: $1 million
  • The Colonel Drake Alliance Inc.: $675,000

The Venango County Economic Development Authority is currently in phase three of the Cornplanter Square project. That stage focuses on completing fit and finish of the basement, first floor and second floor balcony; installing a new 3,000 amp electrical service along with new HVAC, plumbing and fire suppression systems; and constructing a shared commercial kitchen space and a common seating area among other improvements.

In order to properly rehabilitate the historical Lyric Theatre, which is being spearheaded by The Colonel Drake Cultural Alliance, the project will repair the theatre’s interior and exterior; upgrade the auditorium to include stage and dressing rooms, a spacious lobby, expanded gallery and exhibition space and ADA compliant restrooms; and install a new sprinkler system, emergency ramp and exit, fire alarm, emergency lighting, security system and filtered HVAC.

Funding for the project was authorized by lawmakers in the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act.

RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. These projects have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are funded by the state and cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.

The 64th District covers all of Venango County and portions of Butler County, which consists of the boroughs of Bruin, Cherry Valley, and Eau Claire and the townships of Allegheny, Concord Parker, Venango and Washington.


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