The Blair Regional YMCA and two Huntington County organizations will receive funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

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

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

The funding will cover an addition/renovation project of about 20,000 square feet. The new construction and renovation to an existing portion of the current YMCA facility would house 11 childcare classrooms to provide care for infants to 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 was awarded $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 wastewater systems, establish parking areas and traffic flow to improve internal site circulation, establish a weather-tight and secure building envelope with essential building systems (i.e. MEP, fire protection) and create new office and medical space.

The East Broad Top Foundation was awarded more than $1.6 million to support the strategic restoration plan for the property, bringing two bridges back into service, and in turn expanding the tourist rail route experience for visitors.

The first of these two, the Pogue Bridge, is a historic Warren truss and girder deck 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 the Juniata College project will enhance the health care system in the county by offering new space for the college’s nursing program, as well as new office and medical space for medical providers.

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

“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 those challenges by providing health care services and skilled nursing education.

Funding for the East Broad Top Foundation will enhance 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 boost its economic impact.”

RACP, a $3.1 billion program administered through the Office of the Budget, provides grants for development projects that boost the economic, civic, cultural, recreational or historical value of the surrounding community.