(PITTSBURGH, PA) – Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) launched the largest Bridge Formula Program in American history, made possible by the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17), whose Support for Community Bridges Act legislation was included in the final language of the infrastructure bill, announced that Pennsylvania will receive a total of $1.6 billion over the next five years, with $327.2 million being designated for the program in Fiscal Year 2022.

“Western Pennsylvania is home to hundreds of bridges that are in desperate need of repair,” said Lamb.  “This historic federal funding – passed with bipartisan support – will ensure that we are able to invest in these critical transportation connections in communities across our region and create good, union jobs for construction and trades workers.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania has 3,353 structurally deficient bridges across the state.  The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave Pennsylvania’s bridges a D+ grade in its most recent Infrastructure Report Card.

The Bridge Formula Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents the largest investment ever made in fixing the nation’s bridges, dedicating a total of $26.5 billion to states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico over the next five years.  The FHWA guidance issued today also encourages states to direct increased funds to off-system bridges owned by a county, city, town or other local agency and that federal funds can be used for 100% of the cost of repairing or rehabilitating such locally owned off-system bridges with no local or state funding match requirement.

Click here for more details on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver for Pennsylvania, and click here to see a map of bridges in poor repair and in need of funding.

(Beaver County, Pa.) Regis A. Collins, The Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival Chairman from PUSH Beaver County joined Matt Drzik on AM Beaver County Friday morning to make an unfortunate announcement about this years Maple Syrup Festival.
Collins told the listeners that “The Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival Committee has had to make the difficult decision to suspend the upcoming; 43rd Annual Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival. This decision was made, given the increased presence of the Coronavirus in Pennsylvania and the tri-state region, as well as the unknown impact it may or may not have on Beaver County. The challenge of complying with Federal, State & Local regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and large social gatherings, and hosting a pancake breakfast was unachievable.
Given our Mission; PUSH Beaver County is a non-profit organization that
organizes and manages philanthropic and community events to enrich the lives of those who live in Beaver County. We believe that it is our responsibility
to take this precautionary step to protect the Public Health of our
community.
We appreciate your patience and will continue to humbly ask for it during this time. We are diligently working to reschedule the Beaver County Maple Syrup
Festival, a complex process with many factors to consider. Upon confirmation of new dates for this event, we will update the public immediately.
The safety of attendees, vendors, and performers is paramount. We sincerely
apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to greeting
you, your family, and our neighbors, next year.”
Collins did tell Drzik that PUSH Beaver County’s signature event Beaver County Boom is still scheduled to happen in June.

You can hear the entire interview as it played on the air by clicking the play button below:

(Photo Provided by the FAA)
Friday January 14, 2022 at 7:21 AM+
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $5 million to educate the next generation of pilots and other aviation professionals. The Aircraft Pilots Aviation Workforce Development Grants were awarded to accredited higher-education institutions, high schools, state and local governments and flight schools.
“Our investment in the aviation workforce of the future must begin today,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, a former commercial captain. “These grants help nurture interest in aviation at an early age to build a career during one of the most dynamic times in aviation history.”
Grantees can use the funding to create and deliver curriculum designed to prepare students to become aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, or unmanned aircraft systems operators.
To maintain the safest and most efficient aerospace system well into the future, the FAA recognizes the need to create a robust pipeline of skilled and diverse professionals. These grants are one way the agency is working to address the projected shortages of aircraft pilots in the industry.
Grant recipients include:
Florida State College, Jacksonville, Fla.: $498,000
Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City, Mich.: $90,000
Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, N.C.: $269,000
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D.: $488,000
County of Scottsbluff School District #16, Gering, Neb.: $500,000
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, Flushing, N.Y.: $498,000
Aerotrek Flight Academy, LLC, Wadsworth, Ohio: $77,000
Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Oklahoma City, Okla.: $491,000
Harrisburg University of Science & Technology, Harrisburg, Penn.: $135,000
Spartanburg County School District #5 (James. F. Byrnes High School), Duncan, S.C.: $31,000
South Carolina Department of Education, Columbia, S.C.: $425,000
Florence School District One, Florence, S.C.: $339,000
Crowley Independent School District #912, Crowley, Texas: $139,500
Utah State University, Logan, Utah: $238,500
Randolph Macon Academy, Front Royal, Va.: $307,000
Old Dominion University Research Foundation/Virginia Space Grant Consortium, Norfolk, Va.: $474,000
Visit the FAA website for additional details about the grant recipients

Friday, January 14, 2022 at 6:55 AM
(Stowe Twp., Pa.) A 28-year-old man was shot in the chest and legs last night in Stowe Township and taken to a a local hospital in critical condition.

Witnesses told Allegheny County Police that a fight started inside Aces Tavern in the 700 block of Broadway Avenue in Stowe Twp. and later spilled outside. Police say it appears the victim and a 21-year-old man shot at each other. The 21-year-old is currently being detained.