Gambling revenue generated in Westmoreland County is helping two local police departments add one-of-a-kind vehicles to their fleets.
More than $1.3 million in state grants were awarded this month for infrastructure and public safety projects, funded by tax revenue from Pennsylvania’s legalized casino industry. The latest round of awards comes from taxes collected at Live Casino Pittsburgh, which opened in Hempfield in 2020.
The state distributed 38 grants to municipalities and government agencies, including several novel local projects.
South Greensburg received $83,290 for an armored police vehicle — the first of its kind in the county. Meanwhile, North Belle Vernon’s police department, which patrols less than one square mile, is slated to receive $90,000 for an electric vehicle.
“We’re looking at fuel savings and lowering our maintenance costs,” North Belle Vernon police Chief Eugene Lipari said.
The vehicle will join the department’s existing fleet of three patrol cars used by two full-time and six part-time officers. Lipari said his officers travel about 75 miles each day across three shifts, well within the range of an electric battery. The project includes the installation of a charging station and specialized training for officers.
“A lot of departments are trying to think outside the box and apply for things they wouldn’t ordinarily purchase,” Lipari said.
The move to purchase South Greensburg’s armored vehicle was encouraged by state Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Hempfield. Nelson said he viewed the department as a pilot program for what he believes should be a standard for Pennsylvania law enforcement.
“We’ve seen increases in violence in general and had some tragedies where police have been targeted,” Nelson said. “We’ve added this to state police vehicles, and we should now give ballistic protection to local departments. If we help make our officers safe, I’m all in.”
Under state law, gambling tax revenue is distributed through two annual grant programs: one available statewide and another reserved specifically for the host county of a casino. Since 2023, Westmoreland communities have received more than $10 million directly from taxes collected at the local casino, according to the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Late last year, more than $13 million was doled out to 55 Westmoreland communities as part of $175.6 million awarded across the state.
Other projects funded this month include:
• $85,000 for playground upgrades at Valley Vue Park in Greensburg.
• $52,917 for a hauling vehicle for Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity.
• $49,880 for a mobile vehicle barrier system in Ligonier Borough to protect pedestrians during festivals.
• $186,000 for three projects in New Kensington, including Girl Scout house renovations, library modernizations and a new police cruiser.
“These have quite a large impact on our community,” New Kensington Mayor Thomas Guzzo said. “It allows us to do things not necessarily in our budget.”