Kimberly Bringe of Greensburg, whose expertise is in the fields of art and history, writes numerous grant proposals each year for various community organizations. She does not handle applications for state CRP grants. According to the DCED, the Ridge administration has awarded most grants to enterprises that will create or retain jobs within Pennsylvania. That approach angers local officials who complain they are in competition with corporations. Local officials say they can't get grants for basic services, such as water and sewer installation or building parks or other projects to enhance the livability of communities.
Critics complain that the state caters too much to business.
Municipalities and organizations in the districts of Allegheny County lawmakers such as state Rep. David Mayernik of Ross Township and Rep. Joseph Markosek of Monroeville have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in CRP grants that have been used to pay for projects such as community parks and lights for athletic fields. Officials in some rural communities are angry because they have lost grant money for basic projects such as water and sewer lines because their state representatives don't have the political clout in Harrisburg. You should let your legislator know what's going on and what you're applying for. You have to keep them apprised in that way. The grant funding process is highly competitive, Capella added.