Blawnox earns state grant for technology upgrades

Blawnox municipal office is poised to get $121,500 in technology upgrades thanks to a state grant awarded this month.

Money will pay for a bevy of communications-related improvements, including new computers, software and professional services.

The grant was made available through the Department of Community and Economic Development and helped significantly by the borough's participation in 2017 in the state's Early Intervention Program.

Consultant Deb Grass conducted the EIP study of Blawnox finances and said recommendations were made to install a resident notification system and upgrade the borough website to make it more user-friendly. It also recommended software to track code enforcement.

“By improving the capability of local government to deliver services more efficiently and effectively, we are promoting community improvements and growth,” said state Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, who helped facilitate the grant.

The state's EIP provides matching grants to help struggling municipalities to develop short-and long-term goals.

Blawnox will pay a 50 percent match for the work at the municipal office.

Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach her at 412-782-2121, ext. 2, tpanizzi@tribweb.com or @tawnyatrib.