Etna library project could receive $3 million federal funding boost

For the past several years, Etna has been hosting fundraisers for a multi-purpose community center that will offer services to residents who don’t have access to early childhood education programs, senior services, technology and educational resources, social services, or a place to connect with neighbors.

Now, the borough’s efforts to raise money for the Etna Center for Community could potentially receive a $3 million boost from an economic development initiative from Rep Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall.

DeLuzio is requesting the funding as part of community projects for the fiscal year 2024 budget.

“It would complete the project, and it would be ready to open,” Etna Borough manager Mary Ellen Ramage said. “All we have left is construction. They’ve even solicited a contractor. The permits have been submitted. It would include all of the amenities that we have in there — our solar roof, our outdoor pavilion that we have in the back, the green space — it would be everything.”

Deluzio said the project is a multi-generational, multi-purpose center that could be transformational for residents of Etna and surrounding communities.

“While this funding is not yet set in stone due to polarized budget negotiations, no matter what, I will always push to bring home more funding for economic development, early childhood education, senior supports, and social services to the people of Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District,” he said.

According to Deluzio communications director Zoe Bluffstone, projects are usually, but not always, given the money within six months to one year after the passage/signing by the president of the appropriations bill into law — but it depends on the treasury department, so it is variable.

Ramage said libraries are much more than just a place to read.

“They’re a place for people to connect, to feel like they belong to — they’re free. So we are so very, very thrilled for the potential to bring that back, especially in today’s world where it’s really tough and people are struggling financially, emotionally — we’ve all come through a really tough time with covid — and this is really a social center that people can go to when they have needs other than just picking up a book.

“It’s been a rough couple of years and you have people who don’t have computers and they are cut off from society. This gives those people a place to reconnect with their community.”

The Etna Community organization owns the building at 341-343 Butler St. The library is planned for the ground floor.