Deluzio Announces $3 Million Federal Investment in Etna Center for Community, Funds for a Permanent Library, Housing, and Community Center to Serve the Region

ETNA, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced he secured a $3,000,000 federal investment for the Etna Center for Community. This project will redevelop existing buildings in the heart of Etna into a library, community center, four new housing units, a food distribution hub, and more. Congressman Deluzio directed funding to this project as part of his congressional “Community Project Funding” requests that were included in the Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills. 

“The Etna Center for Community is a 21st century project that meets the moment for our region and will help bring us closer together,” said Congressman Deluzio. “It’s all possible thanks to the creative thinking and tireless work of so many. I’m thrilled that I could do my part to make the Etna Center for Community happen, bringing home three million to the people of Etna and surrounding communities.” 

At a press event in Etna, Congressman Deluzio presented a three-million-dollar check to the Borough of Etna to fuel this exciting investment for the community. He was joined by Mayor Robert Tuñón, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, Etna Community Organization CEO Megan Tuñón, Borough Manager Mary Ellen Ramage, and other local officials. 

At the event, the elected officials discussed the challenges currently facing the Borough and how the Etna Center for Community will help provide tangible solutions. This sustainable, mixed-use redevelopment includes the construction of a public library and community center. It will also provide renewable energy generation to provide emergency back-up power in event of flood, storm, or power grid failure, energy efficiency improvements. The project will help bring new life to Etna's downtown, bring essential community services, and grow housing supply in the Borough. 

“Today is a good day! This isn’t just about making a beautiful building...it’s about an investment in people, in the people here at Etna, who are some of the toughest, most resilient people around,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “I’m so excited to be in this moment, and it is projects like this that are going to help us build an Allegheny County for all and an Etna for everyone.” 

“It’s a beautiful, beautiful day, and the sun is shining on Etna, PA,” said Etna Mayor Robert Tuñón. “We have been asking ourselves in Etna, what can we do to help our children to thrive and to lead healthy and fulfilling lives? For us, the place we are standing in and celebrating today, the future Etna Center for Community, is our response. We needed help, and Congressman Chris Deluzio delivered for our community...We would have not been able to do this project without the financial resources you brought to this town. Thank you very much.” 

“I’ve had the perspective and the privilege, and honor really, to see the town change—and go through some really hard times,” said Etna Borough Manager Mary Ellen Ramage. “To see us today with our focus around the environment and people is just incredible for me. Today is a huge day for this community. I’m honored and grateful to everyone of you, and I’m proud to serve next to you.” 

“We [heard] today from Congressman Chris Deluzio, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato...both of whom were so instrumental in bringing us our dream of this and community center and library to life,” said Megan Tuñón, Etna Community Organization CEO. “We’ve been working on this project for eight years now, but we’ve been dreaming about it for decades. We’re so thrilled this day has finally come.” 

Photos and video of the event are here. This funding for Etna is part of a larger group of federal investments that Congressman Deluzio requested through the House Appropriations Committee. When the funding measures passed into law in early March, Congressman locked in $15.5 million for 15 projects across Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. 

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