Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Announces Over $1.7 Million in PCCD Grant Funding for the 43rd Senatorial District   

PITTSBURGH, PA – March 11, 2026 − Today, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa announces $1,798,040 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) benefitting the 43rd district, encompassing parts of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by PCCD, is of especial importance to Senator Costa. He and Representative Dan Frankel fought to establish this program in the wake of the mass shooting at Tree of Life, during which a white supremacist murdered eleven Jewish worshippers. Signed into law in 2019, Act 83 directs PCCD to administer grants to nonprofit organizations who principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication.

Governor Shapiro has proposed $10 Million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in his 2026-27 budget address, delivered on February 3, 2026. Senate Democrats support the Governor’s commitment to community safety and have championed continued investments in violence prevention and first responders.

“I am pleased to announce the recipients of this round of Nonprofit Security Grant Funds, State Act 80 Funds, and Indigent Defense Grant Program Funds in the 43rd Senatorial District,” said Senator Costa. “Pennsylvanians deserve to gather, learn, pray, dance, and volunteer free from fear. Alongside my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus, I will continue to fight for funding that delivers on this key value. I look forward to building on this momentum in our budget process, in our communities, and beyond.”

From State Act 80 Funds, Allegheny County Chief Executive Officer was awarded $250,000 for 2026 ACJ Vivitrol Program.

From FY 2025-26 Indigent Defense Grant Program Funds, Allegheny County was awarded $125,485.

From the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the following awards were made:

  • Aleph Institute, Inc. was awarded $25,000.
  • Chabad of Carnegie Mellon University, Inc. was awarded $75,000.
  • Chabad of Squirrel Hill was awarded $25,000.
  • Church of the Redeemer was awarded $55,355.
  • Community Day School was awarded $150,000.
  • Congregation Beth Shalom was awarded $150,000.
  • Congregation Dor Hadash was awarded $17,000.
  • Congregation Kether Torah was awarded $25,000.
  • Congregation Poale Zedeck was awarded $25,000.
  • First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh was awarded $25,000.
  • Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $150,000.
  • Jewish Home and Hospital for Aged was awarded $25,000.
  • Latin American Studies Association was awarded $9,000.
  • Lubavitch Center was awarded $25,000.
  • Machon Schneerson Chabad was awarded $25,000.
  • National Council of Young Israel, Young Israel of Greater Pittsburgh was awarded $25,000.
  • Our Giving Kitchen Pittsburgh was awarded $25,000.
  • Pittsburgh Kollel Bais Yitzchok was awarded $25,000.
  • Rodef Shalom Congregation was awarded $150,000.
  • T of L, Inc. was awarded $150,000.
  • Tzohar Arts was awarded $25,000.
  • Yeshivath Achei Tmimim of Pittsburgh was awarded $150,000.
  • Young Men & Womens Hebrew Association & Irene Kaufmann Centers was awarded $53,000.
  • Young Peoples Synagogue was awarded $13,200.

Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats’ commitment to safe communities for every Pennsylvanian here.

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Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from Small Water and Sewer Program

PITTSBURGH, PA – January 22, 2026 − Today, Senator Jay Costa joins State Representatives from Allegheny County to announce grants from the Small Water and Sewer Grant Program.  

“I am delighted to be announcing the recipients of these Small Water and Sewer dollars to benefit our communities,” said Senator Costa. “Across the 43rd district, the projects funded by these grants will ensure local families can access clean, potable water free from contaminants. As always, it’s been an honor to work with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to deliver this critical funding to benefit our constituents who call Allegheny County home.”

With Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces the following Small Water and Sewer grant awardees:

  • Churchill Borough was awarded $391,022 for Churchill Stormwater Projects.
  • Edgewood Borough was awarded $375,000 for Monongahela Way/Nine Mile Run Culvert Improvements.
  • Wilkinsburg Borough was awarded $300,000 for Wilkinsburg Highland Way and Beacon Hill Sanitary Force main and Pump House Controls Replacement.
  • Township of Wilkins was awarded $200,000 for Penhurst Drive Sanitary Sewer Improvements.

With Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces the following Small Water and Sewer grant awardees:

  • Verona Borough was awarded $199,883 for Sanitary Sewer Lining.
  • Municipality of Penn Hills was awarded $400,000 for Penn Hills Gascola EQ Facility Concrete Repairs.

Learn more about the Small Water and Sewer program here.

Learn more about how Senate Democrats are fighting for every Pennsylvanian here.

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Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from Small Water and Sewer Program Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from Small Water and Sewer Program

 

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from the Multimodal Transportation Fund

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from the Multimodal Transportation Fund 

PITTSBURGH, PA – January 20, 2026 − Today, Senator Jay Costa joins State Representatives from Allegheny County to announce grants from the Multimodal Transportation Fund. 

“I am delighted to be announcing the recipients of these Multimodal Transportation Fund dollars to benefit our communities,” said Senator Costa. “Across the 43rd district, the projects funded by these grants will ensure local families can travel safely throughout their communities. I look forward to seeing these dollars improve our municipalities and the daily experiences of our fellow residents. I am honored to work with my fellow Senate and House Democratic colleagues to improve our roadways in ways that demonstrate how we can make state government work for working people.”

With Representative Abigail Salisbury, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:

  • Borough of Wilkinsburg was awarded $500,000 to reconstruct Graham Boulevard located in Wilkinsburg Borough.             
  • Friends of the Riverfront, Inc. was awarded $450,000 to extend the Three Rivers Heritage Trail located in Swissvale Borough.          
  • Hosanna House, Inc. was awarded $750,000 for sidewalk, crosswalk, and alleyway improvements around Penn Lincoln Green in Wilkinsburg Borough.
  • Swissvale Borough was awarded $700,000 for Phase 5 streetscape improvements along Monongahela Avenue located in Swissvale Borough.
  • Wilkins Township was awarded $529,199 to upgrade the traffic signal at the intersection of Brown Avenue and Roland Road located in Wilkins Township.

With Representative Dan Frankel, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:

  • Walnut Capital-McKee, L.P. was awarded $553,809 for safety and streetscape improvements at the Louisa Street steps in Pittsburgh City.

With Representative Joe McAndrew, Senator Costa announces the following awardees from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:

  • Oakmont Community Foundation was awarded $230,636 to realign Allegheny Avenue in Oakmont Borough.   
  • Verona Borough was awarded $550,075 for roadway and pedestrian improvements on Jones Street located in Verona Borough.

Learn more about the Multimodal Transportation Fund here.

Learn more about how Senate Democrats are fighting for every Pennsylvanian here.

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Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from the Multimodal Transportation Fund

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from the Multimodal Transportation Fund

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Allegheny County Representatives Announce Grant Awards from the Multimodal Transportation Fund

Senators Haywood and Costa Lead January 6 Commemoration Honoring Law Enforcement Who Defended Democracy

HARRISBURG, PA − January 6, 2026 − Today, State Senator Art Haywood, and Senator Jay Costa, Democratic Party Leader, gathered in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection and to honor the law enforcement officers who courageously defended democracy and the rule of law.

Joining the Senators were several members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, Pastor Hank Johnson of Brethen in Christ U.S church in Mechanicsburg, and Lana Walmer of Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg. 

The commemoration was held in remembrance of those who lost their lives, in recognition of the officers who ran toward danger, and in gratitude for the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and their families in defense of the nation’s democratic institutions. The event underscored that honoring law enforcement and speaking truthfully about January 6 is not a partisan exercise, but a moral obligation rooted in respect for democracy, dignity, and peace.

“The United States is a nation of laws, norms, democracy, and justice. Having a law enforcement background myself, I will never forget watching officers run towards danger as rioters attacked our nation’s capital five years ago,” said Leader Costa. “By issuing blanket pardons to hundreds of people convicted of attacking the capitol, President Trump’s message to law enforcement was that he and his administration will pick and choose when to have their backs, and that’s downright unacceptable. I am recommitting myself and my entire caucus to restoring decorum, dignity, and peace to our halls of power as we observe the fifth anniversary of this terrible chapter in US history.”

Senator Haywood emphasized that the purpose of the gathering was to center the humanity, courage, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who stood in defense of democracy.
“Today, we raise our voices to say to law enforcement that we see you, we honor you, and we thank you for defending our democracy,” said Senator Haywood. “We encourage all Americans to join us in support of the Capitol Police and all law enforcement. Members of Congress, staff and visitors who in the capitol on January 6, 2021.”

“On this day five years ago, the integrity and strength of our democracy was tested by violence and destruction. As we remember this dark day in America’s history and those who lost their lives, it’s important to denounce any and all political violence,” said Senator Vincent Hughes. “Let us disagree peacefully. Let us work together towards solutions even if we may differ on the best way to get there. It’s the responsibility of every leader in America to call out political violence for the poison that it is and encourage a commitment to peace and the rule of law.”

Senators Haywood and Costa stressed that January 6 must be remembered with honesty and care, not as a political talking point, but as a moment that tested the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Both expressed hope that, with time, history will more fully honor those who protected democratic institutions and speak truthfully about the attempt to overturn a lawful election and undermine constitutional governance.

The commemoration concluded with a call to recommit to democratic norms, reject political violence, and uphold the dignity of law enforcement officers who continue to serve as guardians of public safety and constitutional order.

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