EMPORIUM: U. S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) announced this week that $289,366,974 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) has been secured for Pennsylvania and included in the fiscal year 2026 federal spending bills recently signed into law.

The funding supports 121 projects statewide, with priorities ranging from infrastructure and housing to public safety equipment and community improvements. Among the largest awards is a $183,829,000 allocation to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a major modernization effort at the Montgomery Locks and Dam in Beaver County — a nearly century-old structure vital to regional navigation and commerce.

“Bringing federal resources back home to Pennsylvania is one of my core responsibilities as the commonwealth’s senior senator,” Fetterman said in a statement. “These investments will strengthen communities, create jobs, and improve quality of life across Pennsylvania.”

Statewide Impact

The Congressionally Directed Spending program enables lawmakers to direct funding toward specific local priorities. In this round of appropriations, projects were funded in rural and urban counties alike, with a focus on bolstering underserved areas and supporting long-term economic growth.

Among the projects included in the funding package:

Cameron County — Emergency Services And Community Infrastructure

  • Cameron County Ambulance Service, Inc. received $758,000 to enhance emergency response capabilities. That includes $250,000 toward purchasing a new ambulance to expand service coverage across the county. Local EMS leaders said the investment will improve response times and help meet increased demand for medical transport in the region.

  • An additional $508,000 was awarded for improvements to the Emporium Borough Town Hall, targeting energy efficiency upgrades and enhanced accessibility, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Borough officials noted the work will reduce operational costs and make the facility more welcoming to all residents.

Other Notes

Across Pennsylvania, CDS-funded projects were designated for a wide variety of purposes, including:

  • Upgrading water and sewer systems
  • Supporting affordable housing development
  • Providing modern communications and safety equipment for police departments
  • Preserving historical and cultural sites
  • Expanding workforce training and community services

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Fetterman’s office highlighted that successful funding requests often involve collaboration with local officials, community groups, and other members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation.