County allocates ARPA funding to Lawrence Crossing campus
Dec. 23—Lawrence County commissioners agreed to allocate $200,000 of the county's American Rescue Plan Act funds to Butler County Community College.
This action, during their meeting Tuesday, is specifically for the BC3@Lawrence Crossing campus at 2849 W. State St. in Union Township.
"Funds obligated to BC3 will be used to mitigate pandemic-related losses at BC3@Lawrence Crossing in order to meet facility rental obligations," said William Foley, BC3 coordinator of news and media content. "The college will apply the funds toward rental fees."
Added Commissioner Chairman Dan Vogler: "We've had a number of discussions with the management team from the college. We've always appreciated that this organization has a presence in our county. They've done a lot of good things and they've educated a lot of young people. We want to do all we can to keep you here."
BC3@Lawrence Crossing opened in fall 1989, and had been at different locations over the years until opening its current location in Union on July 1, 2008.
BC3 President Dr. Nick Neupauer, an Ellport native, said one of his first acts as president was to create a new central location for the branch campus. He has been BC3 president since Aug. 1, 2007.
He said the branch campus has served thousands upon thousands of students over the years, and is thankful for the continued investment and commitment by county leadership.
"Your investment is going a long way for the citizens of your terrific county," Neupauer said.
"This will go a long way in continuing to offer our services. We appreciate your support."
Vogler said the branch campus has had a positive economic impact on the county, while Commissioner Loretta Spielvogel said she was glad to work with the college during her tenure.
"You've been an anchor here," Spielvogel said.
In other meeting news, the commissioners approved a $199,950 contract with Venango County-based Horizon Construction Group for improvements at the Quaker Falls recreation area in Mahoning Township.
County Deputy Director of Community Development Rebecca Shaffer said this includes a pavilion picnic shelter, an extension of the walkway and two overlooks to help with safety for the falls itself.
Work is expected to start in the spring. The county will be using a $179,100 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help pay the majority of the contract.
The county will also look to apply for a County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania insurance safety grant to help with the project and future enhancements at the area.
The commissioners approved an agreement with Beachwood Ohio-based Tremco Roofing to develop specifications and obtain roofing proposals for the future reroofing projects at the Lawrence County Courthouse, Youth Services building and DA Operational Center.
A resolution was approved to re-designate the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation as the industrial development organization of Lawrence County.
Vogler said the resolution is essentially the same as a previous 2003 resolution, but contains updated language, such as the LCEDC's changed address of 325 E. Washington St. in New Castle.
In public comment. Angelo Perrotta thanked the commissioners for their recent commendation they gave him on behalf of his 10th anniversary at NCTV-45 in 2022.
