Robbins Announces $23,000 in Aid for Airport, Historical Projects

Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) today announced the approval of two state grants to benefit the Port Meadville Airport and the Crawford County Historical Society.

"One of the most important jobs of a legislator is to make sure that tax dollars return to the local area to benefit local projects. Fortunately, my position in Senate leadership allows me to advocate for my district and ensure that Crawford County gets its fair share of funds," said Robbins.

Robbins said the Crawford County Regional Airport Authority will receive a $17,000 Community Revitalization Program grant to pay for roof repairs and structural upgrades at the Port Meadville Airport Terminal.

"Smaller airports such as Port Meadville are important pieces of our local transportation system, and improvement projects are necessary to keep them safe and efficient. Airport terminals house a lot of expensive equipment, and damaged roofs must be repaired," said Robbins.

The senator said the Crawford County Historical Society will receive a $6,000 Community Revitalization grant to preserve what's believed to be the first map of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a 1792 map found when the society moved from the Meadville Public Library to its new facility at the Helene Barco-Duratz Cultural Center.

The map includes early Crawford County and northwest Pennsylvania landmarks, and was updated throughout the 1800s as new counties were established, Robbins said. The society will use the grant to pay for restoration, mounting and framing. The map and reproductions would be shared with schools and other counties in the region.

"This map is historically significant not only to our region, but the entire Commonwealth and even the country," said Robbins. "It was used to support land sales at a time when this was still a dangerous frontier. It tells the story of Pennsylvania's – and, therefore, America's -- early growth, and it's important for the Crawford County Historical Society to have it professionally preserved."

The Community Revitalization program is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322